Kaiser Health News Article: What The 2020s Have In Store For Aging Boomers
Kaiser Health News has published an article identifying important upcoming trends, "What The 2020s Have In Store For Aging Boomers."
By 2025, the article notes, "the number of seniors (65 million) is expected to surpass that of children age 13 and under (58 million) for the first time." A dozen experts were asked to identify important trends in light of this unprecedented demographic shift. "Some [responses] were sobering, reflecting a harsh reality: Our nation isn’t prepared for this vast demographic shift and its far-reaching consequences."
"On a positive note, a worldwide movement to create 'age-friendly communities' is taking hold in America, with 430 communities and six states joining an effort to identify and better respond to the needs of older adults. A companion effort to create 'age-friendly health systems' is likely to gain momentum." The article notes other initiatives supported by JAHF, including Reframing Aging and the National Academy of Sciences’ Healthy Longevity Global Grand Challenge.
Common themes around aging in the 2020s were grouped as:
- A crisis of care
- Living better, longer
- Altering social infrastructure
- Changing attitudes
- Advancing science
- Addressing inequality
- Working longer
Illustration: Hannah Norman/KHN
To read the article, click here.
