According to the latest Census Bureau report, the number of homeowners age 50 and up has increased over the last 10 years, and is expected to continue growing as the economy strengthens. The report shows that from 1998-2001 47% of older Americans, age 50 and above, have mortgages. That number has increased 10% from the years 2001-2007. Many homeowners age 65 and older used equity from their homes by getting a reverse mortgage or an equity line to aid in remaining in their homes during the recession. More here