The Graying of America
Here are some facts about a quiet revolution that will change
the fabric of this nation, according to the National Institute
on Aging:
--One American turns 50 every 7.5 seconds. --One in 6 Americans
will be 65 or older by the year 2020, with an estimated 75
million by 2010. --In 1996, the first wave of Baby Boomers
turned 50. --In 2000, nearly 40% of the federal budget was spent
on aging-related programs. --After age 75, most women are
widowed and live alone. --After age 75, most men are married and
live with their spouse. --In nursing homes, 70% of residents are
women. --Roughly 56% of the Older Americans Act budget is spent
on nutrition programs for the elderly -- meals on wheels,
congregate meal sites, etc. The rates of malnutrition risk among
the elderly are estimated at somewhere between 64% and 88%.
--Today, the fastest growing age group in this country is women
age 85 and older. --Seven (7) million over age 65 require help
with daily living: feeding, dressing, bathing. --Social and
psychological support is most often provided to elderly
parent(s) by middle-aged daughter(s).
American Demographics magazine reports 70 million grandparents
in the US today, with an average age of 47 for first-time
grandparents, who spend an estimated 35 billion annually on
their grandchildren.
People concerned about Social Security's survival in its present
form are probably wise to be skeptical. Today there are 6
wage-earners for each person on Social Security benefits.
Shortly, and no one seems to be entirely certain when this will
occur, there will be two wage-earners for each person receiving
Social Security benefits.
Advertising pundits have already changed the ads we see on TV,
featuring more older people, medications often required by the
elderly, and the like. Expect this trend to continue.
People are living longer. The birth rate is decreasing. Many are
opting for early retirement, and buying into Social Security
sooner, even for a reduced monthly benefit. Some haven't had a
choice but to retire early, thanks to downsizing and buy-out
offers posed by employers to reduce the number of older, higher-
salaried employees.
Problems of normal aging are, of course, exacerbated by
additional problems, such as loss of vision, dementia or
Alzheimer's, physical problems or disability. But why is it that
some seem to age so gracefully, with a minimum of trouble, while
others age much more rapidly? Much of it is probably genetic,
but an equal emphasis has to be placed on lifestyle.
Take an aspirin a day, and a multi-purpose vitamin. Don't smoke.
Eat two servings of fish per week. Exercise is a proven
age-reducer, even if it's walking 15 to 20 minutes per day.
Owning a dog or cat is supposed to add new life to the owner.
And dental flossing once per day is said to add up to six years
to your life. One's mental attitude might be key, for optimists
are said to live longer than pessimists.
Nursing and other medical professionals are entering the field
of gerontology care in greater numbers. That's where the jobs
will be in the not-so-distant future.
Ageism is a social problem, right up there with racism or
sexism. But with more and more seniors dotting the American
landscape, expect ageism to decrease markedly. Seniors are the
one reliable voting group and, as the Association for Retired
Persons (AARP) has proved, a powerful lobby in Washington, D.C.