Some Statistics on Aging

Baby boomers were born between 1946 and 1964. That makes them 40 to 58 years old today.

The median age of people in the U.S. has steadily increased from age 20 in the 1800s to 30 between 1940 and 1980, to 35 today. This dramatic shift is due to several factors: the declining number of infant deaths, rapid advances in medical care and especially age-related diseases, and the declining birth rate. Some forecast that it will be close to 40 by the year 2030.

In 1880, 78% of men 65 and over were still working. By 1940, this number had dropped to 44%. In 1990 it was 18%. During this time men’s health and longevity improved considerably. People were not less able to work; they simply worked less. Many factors were involved, but the fact is that there are a great many people these days not working for a significant portion of their lives. The result is that retirement has now become more a lifestyle and a choice, and less a sign of incapacity. Improved prosperity and the advent of social security are also significant factors here.

These items taken together should be a heads up for people involved in any endeavor related to senior services. Not only are people living longer, they are spending more time in retirement, the trend is accelerating and will soon be fueled even more by the baby boomer wave.