Here are some tips to stay up to date on aging issues. (Courtesy of Getty Images)
Hello, dear readers. I'm back after a short break from writing columns in 22 years. My column a few weeks ago featured his five areas of focus on the theme of aging as reflected in digital and print media, podcasts, webinars, research reports, and more.
Here are five more areas that demonstrate the breadth and relevance of this subject. This is a bird's eye view from one of his points of view and is not based on any formal analysis.
Public policy: One An example is the Congressional bill entitled the Protection of Older Workers from Age Discrimination Act of 2023 (POWADA). With bipartisan support, this bill: 2009 Supreme Court decision This has made it more difficult to prove claims of unlawful bias under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. Since 2009, Older workers must demonstrate that age is a determining factor in employment decisions, not just one factor. This is higher than the burden of proof required for other types of job discrimination claims. “This bill will help level the playing field for older workers and restore their ability to combat age discrimination in the workplace,” said Bill Sweeney, AARP's senior vice president for government affairs.
Older consumers: In 2022, tThe 65+ demographic accounts for 22% of spending in the U.S. economy. This is the highest market share since records began in 1972. This increase can be attributed to older consumers' health, wealth, and perhaps the psychological impact of the pandemic. in At the same time, this demographic is considered an underserved market. According to the Boston Consulting Group, mature consumers are often ignored by brands in their marketing because they are perceived to be sensitive and dependent on brick-and-mortar stores for their purchases. “The truth cannot be any different. Marketers have failed to recognize their role as trendsetters,” the consulting group points out. Additionally, research shows that older people agree that they feel ignored because of age stereotypes. adult age.
employment: In 2023, almost 11 million older people were working. It has nearly quadrupled in size since the mid-1980s, according to Pew research.. The fastest growing age group is the working age group Over 75 years old. This was coupled with changes to the Social Security system, raising the age at which workers can receive full retirement benefits from 65 to 67. Although illegal, age discrimination continues in the workplace. AARP reports 78% of older workers say they have seen or experienced age discrimination in their work environment. This is the highest level since AARP began tracking the issue in 2003.
dementia: Alzheimer's disease is the most common dementia among older adults, affecting approximately 7 million people. It is one of the most feared age-related symptoms, with no agreed cause or cure. Just over 10% of people over the age of 65 have Alzheimer's disease, and nearly two-thirds are women. According to the Alzheimer's Association: By 2050, that number is projected to rise to 12.7 million people, absent medical breakthroughs to prevent or treat the disease. ” It is the 7th leading cause of death.
Intergenerational relations: ““What are we missing out on without intergenerational relationships, both individually and collectively?” reads a Los Angeles Times headline (April 11, 2023). Age discrimination is recognized as a 100-year trend in retirement communities, nursing homes, and classrooms with children of the same age. Mark Friedman, co-executive director of Cogenerate, an organization that creates more age-integrated cultures, was quoted as saying that such cultures are “essential to solving big societal problems.” There is. For that to happen, he points out, we need proximity and purpose. It is about meeting repeatedly and regularly with common interests and goals. Creating closer relationships between generations is one way to prevent and eradicate ageism.
Growing older brings challenges and great opportunities. We are gradually witnessing strategies that align longevity and healthspan. It requires products, services and living conditions that enhance independence, safety and dignity, and public policies that guarantee older people the same rights as other age groups. Research studies are focused on prevention and possible treatment of Alzheimer's disease, as well as programs that strengthen ties between generations.
We are all stakeholders. So let us all embrace aging by staying healthy, staying informed, and staying connected to our loved ones and communities. And, of course, give back in some way. Please know that every act of kindness counts.
Helen Dennis is a nationally recognized leader on aging and new retiree issues with experience in academia, business, and nonprofit organizations. Please contact Dennis with any questions or comments. helendenn@gmail.com. Visit Helen at her HelenMdennis.com and follow her at facebook.com/SuccessfulAgingCommunity