Aging America

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It’s no secret that the world is experiencing an unprecedented demographic change in population for the first time in history. With the turn of the millennium, many countries are experiencing a major imbalance in elderly, adult, and children populations that is only expected to continuously rise until the elderly population overtakes that of young children.



As the graph shows, demographers and economists believe this shift will happen around 2020 as these age groups continue to rise and decrease respectively opposite of previous human history. According to the Census Bureau, it’s estimated that people age 65 and above will make up 15.6% of the global population, more than double the estimated 7.2% for children ages 5 and under. Take a look at the expected change in countries around the world by 2050: 



One of the main reasons for this is our prolonged life expectancy thanks to better living conditions that have allowed humans to live longer than any other time in human history. It is expected that by 2050, the median again will reach 36 years old globally, versus the 29.6 years old median age of today.

The Atlantic reported in May of 2014 that one in seven American is over the age of 65 and by 2029, it is expected that one in five Americans will be over 65. While living longer means great things for our growth as a species, it’s also causing a dilemma as people will have to work longer and retire later because it is too costly. As people are living longer, spending more, and not saving enough, and as a result are having to work longer years as social security and savings are simply not enough to sustain a healthy living style.

It’s truly heartbreaking to read through the stories of those most impacted by this (read their stories here and prepare tissues) which is more reason to support programs such as Meals on Wheels that provides a sense of stability and protects the integrity of these citizens to help improve their lives.

For more information, please visit the following links to better educate yourself and get involved!

1) https://www.mealsonwheelspeople.org/
2) http://www.businessinsider.com/demographics-shift-first-time-in-human-history-2016-5
3) https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2014/05/america-is-about-to-get-really-really-old/361814/
4) https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2017/national/seniors-financial-insecurity/?utm_term=.4092132def07


Suedeh El-Barati



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