Graying of America

1
Graying of America

• The Facts and Issues of Aging

2

• Since the beginning of recorded human history,
  young children have outnumbered older people.
  Very soon this will change. For the first time in
  history, people age 65 and over will outnumber
  children under age 5 (Figure 1). This trend is
  emerging around the globe. Today almost 500
  million people are age 65 and over accounting for
  8 percent of the world's population. --US
  State Department

3

• While the global population is aging at an
  unprecedented rate, some countries are witnessing
  an historically unprecedented demographic
  phenomenon Simultaneous population aging and
  population decline. More than 20 countries are
  projected to experience population declines in
  the upcoming decades. Russia 's population, for
  example, is expected to shrink by 18 million
  between 2006 and 2030, a decrease of nearly 13
  percent. Nine other countries are projected to
  experience a decline of at least 1 million people
  during the same period (Figure 7).
  --US State Department

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Basic Numbers

• In the United States
• 36.3 million people are 65 years of age or older
  (12 of population)
• 86.7 million people are projected to be over the
  age of 65 in 2050
• 5.3 million people are over the age of 85 and
  this is the fastest growing age group

5
Wealth

• The median net worth for people 65 and
  older--108,885
• 35 and younger--7,240
• 4.6 million elderly are still employed (13)
• 23,787annual income for those over 65
• 10.2 poverty rate among elderly

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Caring for the Elderly

• Decrease in replacement numbers
• Many cultures rely on family to care for them in
  old age
• Need for care facilities has increased in recent
  years
• Baby Boomers are now in their 60s and will need
  care
• Concerns loss of autonomy, cost, detachment from
  family

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Rights Groups

• AARPAmerican Association for Retired Persons
• Gray Panthers
• CARIECenter for Advocacy for the Rights and
  Interests of the Elderly
• Numerous groups fighting for humane treatment,
  health care, social security, pensions, awareness
  of elderly issues