The Changing Demographics of Aging Seniors in America
America’s senior population is experiencing considerable growth: By the year 2030, it is projected that there will be roughly 72 million seniors living in the United states, or about 1 in every 5 people (Ortman 6). The oldest of the Baby Boomers became a part of the over 65 segment in 2011, and will continue to age and add to the senior population over the next 20 years (Frey 28). This increase in senior population will significantly affect planning by policy-makers, as stated by Rosenberg (134).
The ratio of caregivers to seniors is decreasing: during the decades from 2010 to 2030, caregivers aged 45 to 65, will only increase slightly, while the number of seniors 80 and older will multiply …show more content…
Lynn 33). However, communities need to become more accommodating for the aging senior, as transportation, health services, commercial services, and recreational and social needs transform with the physical and cognitive changes that come with increasing age.
There are many types of communities and housing designed specifically for the aging, including active adult communities, independent/assisted living facilities, skilled nursing facilities, and continuing care retirement communities. However, aging seniors overwhelmingly prefer to live in their own homes near family and friends for as long as possible. Former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan expressed a multigenerational society goal in this way when he spoke about the International Year of Older Persons: “A society for all ages is multigenerational. It is not fragmented, with youths, adults and older persons going their separate ways. Rather, it is age-inclusive, with different generations recognizing—and acting upon—their commonality of interest. And a society for all ages is committed to creating an enabling environment for healthy life-styles as people age.” ("A ‘Society for All Ages’ Honours Traditional Leadership Role of
America’s senior population is experiencing considerable growth: By the year 2030, it is projected that there will be roughly 72 million seniors living in the United states, or about 1 in every 5 people (Ortman 6). The oldest of the Baby Boomers became a part of the over 65 segment in 2011, and will continue to age and add to the senior population over the next 20 years (Frey 28). This increase in senior population will significantly affect planning by policy-makers, as stated by Rosenberg (134).
The ratio of caregivers to seniors is decreasing: during the decades from 2010 to 2030, caregivers aged 45 to 65, will only increase slightly, while the number of seniors 80 and older will multiply …show more content…
Lynn 33). However, communities need to become more accommodating for the aging senior, as transportation, health services, commercial services, and recreational and social needs transform with the physical and cognitive changes that come with increasing age.
There are many types of communities and housing designed specifically for the aging, including active adult communities, independent/assisted living facilities, skilled nursing facilities, and continuing care retirement communities. However, aging seniors overwhelmingly prefer to live in their own homes near family and friends for as long as possible. Former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan expressed a multigenerational society goal in this way when he spoke about the International Year of Older Persons: “A society for all ages is multigenerational. It is not fragmented, with youths, adults and older persons going their separate ways. Rather, it is age-inclusive, with different generations recognizing—and acting upon—their commonality of interest. And a society for all ages is committed to creating an enabling environment for healthy life-styles as people age.” ("A ‘Society for All Ages’ Honours Traditional Leadership Role of