Advances in science, nutrition, societal infrastructure and health care allow us to live longer than ever before. The average U.S. life span is now 78.7 years (76 for men, 81 for women). This means that, in essence, our country’s population is skewing older. The United States Census Bureau estimates that America’s population of residents aged 65 or older will reach more than 83 million by the year 2050; this represents almost twice the 2012 population of the same demographic.
In particular, access to medical treatment is giving us the ability to live active, independent lives for much longer. This includes staying in our homes, participating in social activities and, for many, driving.
While