I’m happy to be back after taking off the month of June. Thanks to the many readers who responded to my decision to begin writing my column every other week rather than weekly. And thanks to my editor for his flexibility and more.
As the column continues to remain a priority with me, readers expressed varied reactions to the decision – all extremely generous, supportive and kind.
Here are just a few:
“Family and living your life is important, too.”
“My guess is that you’ll fill the vacuum (of time); that’s just what we do.”
“I’m glad you are cutting back and not leaving me altogether.”
“I had a moment of panic…”
“I was shocked at your age.”
“I support your decision…”
“Oh no, once every two weeks; thousands of your devoted fans are mourning today.”
“I’ll be waiting excitedly every other Sunday for your column.”
“I’m so happy you will retire.” (That’s not in the current plan, though.)
Now, to this week’s question. In my previous column, I wrote, “I look forward to reconnecting with our ‘longevity community’ in July.” A reader asked what I meant by “our longevity community.”
Here is how I define it. It includes individuals, businesses, nonprofits and caregivers, to name a few. It’s all those who are stakeholders in aging and the longevity revolution. Here are some specifics.
Individuals: Most folks want to age with good health, financial security and with community and a sense of purpose. Today, 17.3 percent of the population is aged 65 and older, which translates into nearly 60 million people. By 2040, that percentage is expected to grow to 22 percent, that’s one out of five Americans. And at age 65, most Americans can anticipate at least 20 more years ahead and even more. The fastest-growing segment is the 85+ cohort. Consequently, due to aspirations and sheer numbers, adults are stakeholders in aging.
Businesses: Business enterprises have had an awakening to the vast number of older consumers with money to spend. According to AARP, consumers 50 years and older contribute $8.3 trillion to the American economy. The need for products and services for older consumers continues to grow. Entrepreneurship is expanding. A Forbes headline from February read, “How entrepreneurs are turning longevity into a multi-billion opportunity.” Businesses that focus on the longevity market are stakeholders.
Nonprofit organizations: There are over 5,000 nonprofit organizations providing needed services to older adults who are members of Leading Age, a community of nonprofit aging service providers. Then there is AARP with 38 million members and organizations of professionals who serve the aging community. These include the American Society on Aging, the Gerontological Association of America, the National Council on Aging, the Geriatric Society of America, the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education, again to name a few. There are many more mission-driven nonprofit organizations, including CoGenerate, Generations United, the Encore Network, the Alzheimer’s Association and many more. They all have a stake in aging.
Caregivers: These are the unsung heroes of our society and have been referred to as “America’s silent workforce,” according to the Family Caregiver Annual Report and Statistics. We know one in five Americans are caregivers. That’s 53 million Americans who assist their older relatives, spouses, friends or neighbors with daily tasks like cooking and dressing. Aside from the physical and emotional toll, nearly half of these caregivers experience at least one financial setback. The most common is a reduction in their savings; one in five reduce their health care spending or the amount they save for retirement. On average, they spend 26 percent of their income on caregiving activities, according to a 2021 national study of 2,400 caregivers.
With the increase of long-lived Americans, the increase in dementia disorders, and the lack and expense of caregiving, our society is facing a formidable challenge. See the PBS special with Bradley Cooper on “Caregiving.” All those involved in caregiving are stakeholders in aging.
That’s just part of the longevity community. Essentially, we all have a stake in what it means to age, how to do it well and lead a life of health, security, purpose, dignity …and love.
Nice to be back! Stay well, everyone, and know that kindness never gets old.
Helen Dennis is a nationally recognized leader on issues of aging and the new retirement with academic, corporate and nonprofit experience. Contact Helen with your questions and comments at Helendenn@gmail.com. Visit Helen at HelenMdennis.com and follow her on facebook.com/SuccessfulAgingCommunity