You're Never Too Old to Plan Ahead

Article submitted by Melora L. Jackson, MS of the Mississippi Department of Mental Health, Alzheimer's Division.
For more information, she can be reached at 228-214-5556.

During the next 4 years, there will be a large increase in the number of people in the United States that are over 65 years old. The arrival of the baby-boomers at age 65 will trigger the large increases in the number and percentage of elderly in the next half century.

The record large proportion of elderly persons now in the population, 13 percent, will rise to perhaps 20 percent by the year 2030, and the number of elderly is expected to double by that year. These prospective demographic changes are causing concern about the social, economic, and physical health of our population.

While the rapid growth in numbers of older adults, particularly the oldest old, represents in part a triumph of the efforts to extend human life. This means there will be a greatly increased need for services and public support with housing, transportation, recreation, and education, as well as in health and nutrition.

There will be large increases in some of the most vulnerable groups of seniors, such as the oldest old living alone, older women, elderly racial minorities living alone and with no living children, and elderly unmarried persons with no living children and no siblings. These are the people with the highest percentages living in poverty or with low incomes.
By the year 2050, nearly every person who is over the age of 18 will find themselves in some type of caregiving situation, or be close to someone that does. Needless to say, there will be a large increase in the numbers participating in various entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare.

Right now, the proportion of elderly in the U.S. population is substantial at 13%. As that percentage grows in the next 50 years, we will see many impacts on our society, ranging from our social activities, education, business dealings, family lifestyles, and even governmental trends.

Whatever age you are now, young or old, it is never too late to plan for the future. If you are over 65 now, remember that life may be different when you are 85. Take time to think about what you want your future to be and how you can affect you future healthcare, recreation and social activities. While there will be a lot more healthcare needs, there may well be more opportunities to enjoy life when you are older. Make a plan and make the most of future.