Disposable income and consumption by household type, 1981 & 2001 Consumption Income 1981 Singles Nonelderly $19,226 $21,105 Elderly $13,700 $11,173 Couples Nonelderly $23,384 $28,888 Elderly $18,819 $19,627 with children Couples $17,323 $20,164 Single mothers $11,396 $10,274 2001 Singles Nonelderly $22,201 $27,992 Elderly $20,781 $17,063 Couples Nonelderly $26,279 $39,286 Elderly $23,224 $23,442 with children Couples $20,576 $28,751 Single mothers $13,969 $13,376