Christians among adults ages 65 and older

% of adults ages 65 and older who are…

Survey yearChristianAll Non-ChristiansSample size
201483%17%9,327
200788%12%8,146
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.

Learn More: Christian, All Non-Christians

DemographicInformation

Generational cohort among adults ages 65 and older by religion

% of adults ages 65 and older who are…

ChristiansYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample 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…

ChristiansMenWomenSample size
Christian42%58%7,504
All Non-Christians57%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…

ChristiansWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Christian81%9%1%7%2%7,423
All Non-Christians85%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…

ChristiansImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Christian8%9%83%7,438
All Non-Christians11%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…

ChristiansLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Christian43%24%23%11%6,100
All Non-Christians32%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…

ChristiansHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Christian52%26%13%10%7,481
All Non-Christians35%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…

ChristiansMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Christian54%2%12%28%4%7,478
All Non-Christians56%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…

ChristiansParentsNon-parentsSample size
Christian3%97%7,496
All Non-Christians4%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.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults ages 65 and older by religion

% of adults ages 65 and older who say they…

ChristiansBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
Christian78%16%2%2%1%1%7,504
All Non-Christians28%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…

ChristiansVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Christian74%19%5%1%1%7,504
All Non-Christians20%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…

ChristiansAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Christian56%26%17%1%7,504
All Non-Christians9%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…

ChristiansAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Christian73%14%4%8%2%7,504
All Non-Christians24%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…

ChristiansAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Christian34%8%9%47%1%7,504
All Non-Christians8%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…

ChristiansAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Christian58%7%4%28%3%7,504
All Non-Christians32%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…

ChristiansAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Christian71%10%6%11%2%7,504
All Non-Christians38%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…

ChristiansAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Christian46%12%12%26%3%7,504
All Non-Christians44%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

ChristiansReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Christian46%6%41%5%3%7,504
All Non-Christians10%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…

ChristiansThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Christian40%56%2%2%7,504
All Non-Christians22%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…

ChristiansAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Christian48%10%7%33%2%7,504
All Non-Christians10%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…

ChristiansWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
Christian43%29%5%16%8%7,504
All Non-Christians9%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

ChristiansBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Christian84%9%7%7,504
All Non-Christians27%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

ChristiansBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Christian64%25%11%7,504
All Non-Christians16%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.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults ages 65 and older by religion

% of adults ages 65 and older who identify as…

ChristiansRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Christian46%13%40%7,504
All Non-Christians23%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…

ChristiansConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Christian50%29%15%6%7,504
All Non-Christians20%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…

ChristiansSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Christian60%31%3%5%7,504
All Non-Christians45%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…

ChristiansDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Christian49%43%4%3%7,504
All Non-Christians31%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…

ChristiansLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Christian42%51%7%7,504
All Non-Christians78%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…

ChristiansShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Christian43%47%4%5%7,504
All Non-Christians75%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

ChristiansStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Christian31%59%10%7,504
All Non-Christians68%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…

ChristiansStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Christian45%45%3%7%7,504
All Non-Christians29%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…

ChristiansEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Christian17%24%5%44%10%7,504
All Non-Christians62%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.