Aging Issues & "More of Everything"

Sorry. It's been almost two months since my last posting. Too much work, plus too much travel.

I'll try to return to a schedule of a few times a week, even if some entries are short!

Census Bureau issued a report of importance for us - concerning aging. I've frequently mentioned in talks during the past few years that, as the Baby Boomers age, we can expect "more of everything".

That is, we can expect more people who are healthy and active, in reasonable financial shape, participating in their communities, well into their seventies, eighties, and even nineties. On the other hand, we can expect more centenarians who will experience the usual problems of old age. In addition, there will simply be more people who are isolated and of poor financial means.

The Census Bureau picked up on the positive side of this. A recent report noted that current older Americans are showing much less disability than older Americans of 20 years ago. Persons over 65 are better educated, healthier, and generally in much better shape than during the last century; and this trend will continue as the Boomers begin retiring.

So, as we think about all that we need to do in our communities, one source of vital talent (knowledge, plus the ability to get things done) will be our older residents.

(You can find the Census Bureau's report at: www.census.gov/prod/2006pubs/p23-209.pdf)