Article: Future of Our Aging Population

The problem, in a nutshell, is that there will be far more demand than supply of healthcare in the future. This means that healthcare costs will increase, and we'll need to adapt.

In the United States, about 10,000 people turn 65 each day, and one in five Americans will be 65 or older by 2030. Globally, the number of people age 60 and over is projected to leap from about 900 million in 2015 to 2 billion by 2050, according to the World Health Organization.

Between 2000 and 2050, the 80-and-older cohort will almost quadruple, and those 65 and over will outnumber children under the age of 14. It should be noted that many experts see these demographic predictions as too modest. In the wake of the decoding of the human genome, even longer lives and larger aging populations may be just ahead.

Increasing longevity has contributed to unprecedented global economic growth and wonderful opportunities for personal fulfillment. This gift of more years, due to advances in science, sanitation and safety, may be the most momentous accomplishment in human history. But, as remark able as this progress has been, there is more change to come.

The way we care for seniors today cannot scale to meet the looming age wave, and before long we'lll face a fullblown national crisis. We have an obligation to our parents indeed to the next generation of seniors to ensure they get the best possible care and that they receive it in a place they want to call home.

AGING FACTS

By 2030, nearly one in five Americans 71.5 million people will be over age 65.
Today, there are more than 35 million Americans age 65 or above a tenfold increase in the 65 and over population since 1900. Over the next 25 years, that number will double, and one in every five Americans will be age 65 or older.
Contrary to popular belief, only a small minority move to warmer climates upon retirement.
Fewer than 5 percent of the 65 and over population reside in nursing homes. Instead, most Americans choose to age in place within the same communities where they have long lived.

What is aging in place? Aging in place is a term used to describe a senior living in the residence of their choice as they age, while being able to have any services (or other support) they might need over time as their needs change, for as long as they are able. Aging in Place as "the ability to live in one's own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.

HOUSING

Home ownership rates among adults age 65 and above, at more than 80 percent, are higher than the national average.
One in every four renters age 50 and above pays 50 percent or more of annual income on rent.
The average annual cost per patient of nursing home care is more than $60,000.

TRANSPORTATION

Only 3 percent of all trips taken by Americans age 65 and above are by bus or train.
55 percent of Americans say they would prefer to walk more and drive less.
Individuals with health impairments or disabilities often have difficulty using fixed-route transit systems, because of factors such as poor pedestrian accessibility or the lack of accessible design features at buses and rail stations.
One in five Americans age 65 and above does not drive.

HEALTH AND SUPPORT SERVICES

One in five older Americans does not know who to call for information about local services in their community.
Low-income areas typically have one-third fewer grocery stores than middle and high-income neighborhoods.
Older volunteers in one intergenerational program reported higher activity levels, increased strength, and a bigger support network.

CULTURE AND LIFELONG LEARNING

During the next 25 years, the older Latino population will grow four-fold, from 2 million today to 8 million in 2030. The older Asian population will grow from 1 million to 4 million. In areas in states with high immigrant populations, such as Florida and Texas, the growth will be even more dramatic.
Older adults participating in weekly arts programs reported better health, fewer doctor visits, and less medication usage.
Only 1 in 3 older adults today has access to the Internet.

PUBLIC SAFETY

More than one-third of older adults interviewed in a national survey identify crime as a problem in their neighborhoods.
In a national survey by the AdvantAge Initiative, 34 percent of older adults report crime as a problem in their neighborhoods.
Crime is the top problem reported by African-American and Hispanic older adults.
It is estimated that 1 to 2 million Americans age 65 and above have suffered elder abuse; however, detecting and preventing elder abuse is inherently difficult.
Many victims are isolated and do not know where to turn for redress. For every one case of elder abuse that is documented, approximately five cases go unreported.

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Research has shown that older adults prefer working with children and youth more than any other volunteer activity.
Young people who participate in intergenerational programs show measurable improvements in school attendance and attitudes toward school.

The Future of Our Aging Population

AGING FACTS

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