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www.AgingSmartUtah.com

The Utah Sourcebook of Education and Retraining Opportunities for Older Adults and Guide to Educational Programs in the Field of Aging

Over 70 million people were born into the baby-boom cohort between 1946 and 1964. Since then advances in medical technology, research and pharmacology, improvements in environmental conditions, and a movement from an agrarian, labor-intensive society have had a dramatic impact on extending the life expectancy of Americans. Life expectancy at birth in 1930 was only 58 for men and 62 for women, and the retirement age was 65. Remarkably, in 2006, "a 65-year-old man has a 53% chance of living to at least 85 and a 17% chance of reaching 95. For a 65-year-old-woman, the probabilities are even higher" (Rheault, 2006).

This generation brings significant individual and societal challenges needing to be addressed through specific public policies, particularly opportunities to allow baby boomers to continue working past the traditional retirement age. They are far more educated, active, fitness oriented and obviously healthier allowing them to work later in life than previous generations. Many of them will choose or need to continue working. Also given the unique characteristics of this population, there is a need for nearly every profession, especially those related to health, would be better able to meet the needs of a rapidly aging population by recognizing the relevancy of gerontological education. In other words, knowledge about gerontology should be incorporated into all aspects of society.

To meet these needs, AgingSMART was created as sourcebook and web site serving as a highly accessible - comprehensive - coordinated - and renewable "one-stop shopping" resource for citizens in the state of Utah by providing information about retraining and upgrading of skills for older adults, as well as a comprehensive listing of programs and courses in the field of aging.

The web site www.AgingSmartUtah.com and Sourcebook is called Aging SMART (Services for Meaningful Access to Resources and Training). The project was overseen by the members of the Education Special Committee of the Utah Commission on Aging.

Visit our website now - www.AgingSmartUtah.com.