Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Generational cohort among adults ages 65 and older by religion
% of adults ages 65 and older who are…
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Christians
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Christian
< 1%
< 1%
< 1%
27%
66%
7%
7,504
All Non-Christians
< 1%
< 1%
< 1%
34%
60%
6%
1,823
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Gender composition among adults ages 65 and older by religion
% of adults ages 65 and older who are…
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Christians
Men
Women
Sample size
Christian
42%
58%
7,504
All Non-Christians
57%
43%
1,823
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Racial and ethnic composition among adults ages 65 and older by religion
% of adults ages 65 and older who identify as…
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Christians
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Christian
81%
9%
1%
7%
2%
7,423
All Non-Christians
85%
4%
4%
5%
2%
1,790
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Immigrant status among adults ages 65 and older by religion
% of adults ages 65 and older who are…
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Christians
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Christian
8%
9%
83%
7,438
All Non-Christians
11%
18%
71%
1,791
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Income distribution among adults ages 65 and older by religion
% of adults ages 65 and older who have a household income of…
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Christians
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
Christian
43%
24%
23%
11%
6,100
All Non-Christians
32%
19%
27%
23%
1,538
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Educational distribution among adults ages 65 and older by religion
% of adults ages 65 and older who have completed…
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Christians
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Christian
52%
26%
13%
10%
7,481
All Non-Christians
35%
23%
20%
22%
1,817
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Marital status among adults ages 65 and older by religion
% of adults ages 65 and older who are…
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Christians
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Christian
54%
2%
12%
28%
4%
7,478
All Non-Christians
56%
4%
16%
19%
5%
1,817
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Parent of children under 18 among adults ages 65 and older by religion
% of adults ages 65 and older who are…
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Christians
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Christian
3%
97%
7,496
All Non-Christians
4%
96%
1,820
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Belief in God among adults ages 65 and older by religion
% of adults ages 65 and older who say they…
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Christians
Believe in God; absolutely certain
Believe in God; fairly certain
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain
Believe in God; don't know
Do not believe in God
Other/don't know if they believe in God
Sample size
Christian
78%
16%
2%
2%
1%
1%
7,504
All Non-Christians
28%
20%
11%
2%
32%
7%
1,823
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Importance of religion in one's life among adults ages 65 and older by religion
% of adults ages 65 and older who say religion is…
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Christians
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
74%
19%
5%
1%
1%
7,504
All Non-Christians
20%
20%
19%
39%
2%
1,823
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Attendance at religious services among adults ages 65 and older by religion
% of adults ages 65 and older who attend religious services…
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Christians
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
56%
26%
17%
1%
7,504
All Non-Christians
9%
21%
69%
1%
1,823
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of prayer among adults ages 65 and older by religion
% of adults ages 65 and older who pray…
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Christians
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
73%
14%
4%
8%
2%
7,504
All Non-Christians
24%
8%
6%
61%
2%
1,823
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults ages 65 and older by religion
% of adults ages 65 and older who attend prayer group…
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Christians
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
34%
8%
9%
47%
1%
7,504
All Non-Christians
8%
3%
4%
84%
1%
1,823
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of meditation among adults ages 65 and older by religion
% of adults ages 65 and older who meditate…
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Christians
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
58%
7%
4%
28%
3%
7,504
All Non-Christians
32%
7%
6%
52%
3%
1,823
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults ages 65 and older by religion
% of adults ages 65 and older who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
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Christians
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
71%
10%
6%
11%
2%
7,504
All Non-Christians
38%
12%
10%
36%
3%
1,823
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults ages 65 and older by religion
% of adults ages 65 and older who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
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Christians
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
46%
12%
12%
26%
3%
7,504
All Non-Christians
44%
12%
13%
28%
2%
1,823
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults ages 65 and older by religion
% of adults ages 65 and older who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
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Christians
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
46%
6%
41%
5%
3%
7,504
All Non-Christians
10%
16%
55%
16%
4%
1,823
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults ages 65 and older by religion
% of adults ages 65 and older who say…
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Christians
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
Right or wrong depends on the situation
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
40%
56%
2%
2%
7,504
All Non-Christians
22%
75%
1%
1%
1,823
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of reading scripture among adults ages 65 and older by religion
% of adults ages 65 and older who read scripture…
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Christians
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
48%
10%
7%
33%
2%
7,504
All Non-Christians
10%
4%
6%
79%
1%
1,823
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Interpreting scripture among adults ages 65 and older by religion
% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is…
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Christians
Word of God; should be taken literally
Word of God; not everything taken literally
Word of God; other/don't know
Not the word of God
Other/don't know
Sample size
Christian
43%
29%
5%
16%
8%
7,504
All Non-Christians
9%
10%
1%
70%
10%
1,823
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Belief in Heaven among adults ages 65 and older by religion
% of adults ages 65 and older who …in heaven
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Christians
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Christian
84%
9%
7%
7,504
All Non-Christians
27%
61%
13%
1,823
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Belief in Hell among adults ages 65 and older by religion
% of adults ages 65 and older who …in hell
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Christians
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Christian
64%
25%
11%
7,504
All Non-Christians
16%
75%
10%
1,823
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Party affiliation among adults ages 65 and older by religion
% of adults ages 65 and older who identify as…
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Christians
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Christian
46%
13%
40%
7,504
All Non-Christians
23%
14%
63%
1,823
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Political ideology among adults ages 65 and older by religion
% of adults ages 65 and older who are…
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Christians
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
50%
29%
15%
6%
7,504
All Non-Christians
20%
31%
42%
6%
1,823
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about size of government among adults ages 65 and older by religion
% of adults ages 65 and older who would rather have…
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Christians
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
60%
31%
3%
5%
7,504
All Non-Christians
45%
43%
5%
7%
1,823
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about government aid to the poor among adults ages 65 and older by religion
% of adults ages 65 and older who say government aid to the poor…
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Christians
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
49%
43%
4%
3%
7,504
All Non-Christians
31%
61%
4%
4%
1,823
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about abortion among adults ages 65 and older by religion
% of adults ages 65 and older who say abortion should be…
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Christians
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
42%
51%
7%
7,504
All Non-Christians
78%
17%
5%
1,823
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about homosexuality among adults ages 65 and older by religion
% of adults ages 65 and older who say homosexuality…
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Christians
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
43%
47%
4%
5%
7,504
All Non-Christians
75%
19%
4%
3%
1,823
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about same-sex marriage among adults ages 65 and older by religion
% of adults ages 65 and older who …same-sex marriage
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Christians
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
31%
59%
10%
7,504
All Non-Christians
68%
23%
9%
1,823
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about environmental regulation among adults ages 65 and older by religion
% of adults ages 65 and older who say…
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Christians
Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy
Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
45%
45%
3%
7%
7,504
All Non-Christians
29%
64%
2%
4%
1,823
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about human evolution among adults ages 65 and older by religion
% of adults ages 65 and older who say humans…
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Christians
Evolved; due to natural processes
Evolved; due to God's design
Evolved; don't know how
Always existed in present form
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
17%
24%
5%
44%
10%
7,504
All Non-Christians
62%
12%
5%
16%
5%
1,823
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.