Age Wave has released a landmark study on the new age of aging.
Specifically, “Old Age” Enters a New Age: Dramatic shifts in demography and Americans’ views of aging revealed in new Harris Poll study conducted by Age Wave. Highlights from the study include:
1. The demographic makeup of the U.S. is turning upside down as older adults will soon outnumber youth under 18 for the for the first time in our history.
2. The definition of “old” has been pushed back by twenty years, driven by a new breed of older adults.
3. Seventy-one percent of today’s modern elders, adults 65+, say the best time of their life is right now or in front of them.
4. We need to re-imagine purposeful roles for older adults, as 83% of adults 65+ say it’s more important to feel “useful” rather than “youthful” in their retirement years.
5. There is a need and desire to better match our healthspans to our lifespans; 71% of adults 50+ say they’d take a pill that would give them an extra 50 healthy years.
In short, this inspiring study on the new age of aging challenges so many preconceived notions. It clearly points to the vitality of older adults. Hopefully, it will help make strides against continued ageism in our society.
Further, the research reinforces the “longevity revolution” with life expectancy climbing. And, notes the fact that social influencers are aging on a parallel path. Think: Tom Cruise, Oprah Winfrey, Martha Stewart.
As a related point, it will be even more important for healthcare resources to shift from a focus on managing disease to healthy aging, given the “longevity revolution”.
A link to the full study follows:
Click to access 08-07-23-Age-Wave-The-New-Age-of-Aging-Report_FINAL.pdf
Interested in being part of a thought leadership discussion on the new age of aging? Contact us at AgePros.net.
Reported by AgePros.net, the only blog for aging industry professionals.
