Tuesday, August 03, 2004
Since the July 22nd post, I have been doing a lot of research on the aging population of North America. I am reading a book titled, "Age Power: How the 21st Century Will Be Ruled by the New Old". I can barely put it down.
The truth about the fight against the age process is that people are becoming old at a later age. The average age ceiling is higher every year in numerous developed countries. In fact, a ripe, retirement age of 65 years is no longer old. If anything, it is considered the middle of adulthood.
Here are a few paraphrased observations posed in this book:
- Considering the majority of elderly vote, (contrary to the few young adults that do), and the longer that they live the result is more political power and decision-making.
- The longer people live and continue to retire at age 65, the longer they will have pension payouts. This could result in a financial catastrophe and eventual cut-off of pension.
- The impact of caring longer for your parents versus your children.
- The fact that our focus should not only be on youth and development, but also seniors and development for positive solutions in home-care, education, health, and relevance in society.
- Currently, the two giant industries of entertainment and advertising are targeted at youth, rather than significant elder population.
The list is endless, and my informative, ongoing study of the facts (and speculations) will reveal some interesting points to chew on. If anything, I feel hopeful. Considering that I am in pursuit of a Human Resources career, this discovery will hone (if not completely alter) my direction. I believe there is a lot to create and imagine in terms of potential jobs and services for this area of our demographic.
The truth about the fight against the age process is that people are becoming old at a later age. The average age ceiling is higher every year in numerous developed countries. In fact, a ripe, retirement age of 65 years is no longer old. If anything, it is considered the middle of adulthood.
Here are a few paraphrased observations posed in this book:
- Considering the majority of elderly vote, (contrary to the few young adults that do), and the longer that they live the result is more political power and decision-making.
- The longer people live and continue to retire at age 65, the longer they will have pension payouts. This could result in a financial catastrophe and eventual cut-off of pension.
- The impact of caring longer for your parents versus your children.
- The fact that our focus should not only be on youth and development, but also seniors and development for positive solutions in home-care, education, health, and relevance in society.
- Currently, the two giant industries of entertainment and advertising are targeted at youth, rather than significant elder population.
The list is endless, and my informative, ongoing study of the facts (and speculations) will reveal some interesting points to chew on. If anything, I feel hopeful. Considering that I am in pursuit of a Human Resources career, this discovery will hone (if not completely alter) my direction. I believe there is a lot to create and imagine in terms of potential jobs and services for this area of our demographic.
