A new report says the rate of older Americans filing for bankruptcy has increased by triple-digits.

Southeast D.C. resident Minnie Duckett doesn't answer her phone because she knows who's calling.

"They call all day, every day," said Duckett. who added that on this particular day she's already had three or four.

Tight economic times are hurting many families around Washington, but one group of people is being hit especially hard.

Bill collectors are asking for payment on her five credit cards.

"I just don't deal with it because I know there's really nothing I can do right now," said Duckett.

At 64-years old, Duckett says she's $10,000 in credit card debt, despite her regular salary as a secretary. She's trying to file for bankruptcy, but doesn't have the money needed for lawyers and court costs.

"I went to a place where you file your own, but it's so much paperwork until you can't figure out how to do it," said Duckett.

And she's part of a growing demographic. An AARP study says the number of Americans over 55 filing for bankruptcy has increased at the highest rate of all age groups -- up 150 percent, since 1991.

"The problem is symptomatic of a larger problem in the country in that American families are having a hard time making ends meet. And they're using credit to make up the difference," said George Gaberlavage of AARP.

The study blames several culprits. Half of households headed by people 65 or older are carrying debt -- a 15 percent increase since 1989. A quarter of older households are paying a mortgage or home equity loans while in retirement. And the average amount of credit card debt for this age group has skyrocketed, up by 194 percent.

Experts say the senior bankruptcy rate could lead to huge problems for aging Americans -- who might not be able to afford to retire.

Other reasons for the squeeze on seniors include increasing health care costs and job loss.

Of course it's much harder for an older person to recover from unexpected unemployment. And with little or no health insurance for some, one illness could mean a quick slide into bankruptcy.