AgingGracefully

“As for old age,embrace and love it.

It abounds with pleasureif you know how to use it.

The gradually declining yearsare among the sweetest

in a person’s life.”

Seneca

 

MAKING THE MOSTOF YOUR LATER LIFE ADVENTURE

A revolution is brewing and it’s almost upon us. Some 70 million Americans will be over 65 by 2030---more than twice as many as in 1997. Aging baby boomers will trigger major changes throughout our society.

We are living longer and better.

Many older people embrace life with surprising gusto.

Old age brings an array of challenges. 

The later years frequently abound with blessings.

DemographicOverview

MALE FEMALE

U.S. AGE STRUCTURE

From U.S. Census Bureau publication: “Data Base News in Aging” 1999

Darker areas =higher percentof age 65+

Based on Data from the U.S. Bureau of the CensusSee: http://www.census.gov/population/estimates/state/st-99-08.txt

Darker areas = higher percentage increasein age 65+

Based on Data from the U. S. Bureau of the CensusSee: http://www.census.gov/population/estimates/state/st-99-08.txt

Number of Persons 65+ (in millions)United States

3.1 4.99

16.7

25.7

34.4 34.839.7

53.7

70.3

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

1900 1920 1940 1960 1980 1998 2000 2010 2020 2030

Based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Census – Note: Increments in years are uneven.

Population in millions of the Oldest Old (85+)

0.9 1.4 2.2 3 4.35.7 6.5

8.5

13.6

18.2

0

5

10

15

20

1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040 2050

Source: U.S. Bureau of Census – cited in the publication “Aging in the United States – Past Present, and Future.”

Marital Status of Persons 65+

43%

45%

8%

4%

14%

8%

4%

77%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Married

Widowed

Divorced orSeparated

Single (NeverMarried)

MenWomen

Based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Census. See:“The Older Population in the United States: March 1999,” Current Population Reports, P20-532

Living Arrangements: Women Age 65+

41%

17%

42%

Living withSpouse

Living with OtherRelatives

Living Alone orwith Non-Relatives

Based on data from U.S. Bureau of the Census. See:“Household and Family Characteristics: March 1998,” Current Population Reports, P20-515.

Living Arrangements of Men Age 65+

73%

7%

20% Living WithSpouse

Living WithOther Relative

Living Alone orwith Non-Relative

Based on data from U.S. Bureau of the Census. See: “Household and Family Characteristics:March 1998,” Current Population Reports, P20-515.

Percent of the Total Population that is Ages 65 and over(2000).

Source: U.S. Census BureauPrepared by: Nicole Breazeale, Rural Sociology, University of Kentucky

15% - 18% (17 counties)

13% - 15% (59 counties)

11% - 13% (25 counties)

7% - 11% (19 counties)

Percent of Total Households with One or More Persons Ages 65 and over (2000).

Source: U.S. Census Bureau Prepared by: Nicole Breazeale, Rural Sociology, University of Kentucky

27% - 31% (29 counties)

25% - 27% (30 counties)

22% - 25% (31 counties)

15% - 22% (30 counties)

KENTUCKY’S POPULATION

How Many Kentuckians, 1999 Edition

There Will Likely Be a Higher Percentage of OlderPeople in Kentucky Than in Our Nation As a Whole

Source: Dychtwald, Ken. (1999). Age Power: How the 21st Century Will Be Ruled by the New Old

Total National Health Spending

13.6

9.4 8.8 9.3 8.7 7.9 7.1 6.9

02468

10121416

Nations

Pe

rce

nta

ge

Sp

en

t

Source: CIA World Fact Book, July 1, 2001

THE CHANGINGLANDSCAPE OF AGING

Our health care system is seriously ill.

We need a new definition of old age.

Traditional caregivers are unavailable, and the demand for eldercare is increasing.

It’s time to re-invent long-term care.

 

7 Keysto Later LifeWell-Being

YourHeart’sDesire

HealthyRelation-

ships

GoodNutrition

Physical& Mental

Fitness

MaterialWell-Being

PositiveAttitude

SpiritualVitality

Physical & Mental Fitness

Never too late to start (Tuft’s University research).

Far-reaching benefits of exercise.

Many types of exercise---choose ones you enjoy.

Check-ups, immunizations, dental care.

Exercise your mind to stay intellectually sharp.

Plenty of sleep nurtures your body and mind.

Good Nutrition

Every time you eat you can help yourself age well.

Enjoy eating a variety of wholesome foods.

Follow the Food Guide Pyramid.

To avoid the later life risk of dehydration, drink plenty of fluids.

Reasons many older people do not eat well.

Encourage older loved ones to eat nutritiously.

Your Heart’s DesireStaying enthused and involved is basic to positive

aging.

What is it you would like to do at this time in your life? What is your heart’s desire?

Don’t talk yourself out of something you really want to do.

If your vision is not clear, take some small exploratory steps.

Regularly do what you can to bring your dream to life.

Wise retirement planning is essential.

“Retiring” from retirement.

Volunteer options.

Plan for your potential long-term care needs.

Do your home and belongings support your later life needs?

In the second half of life, many choose to live simply.

Material Well-Being

True friends are definitely good medicine.

With supportive relationships, we stay healthier, live longer, and enjoy life more.

Caring for pets and plants nourishes our well-being, too.

Helping others is good for us and builds strong communities.

Never underestimate your influence.

To age well, we need to give and receive love.

Healthy Relationships

“If you think you can or can’t, you’re right.”

Your experience of aging is shaped by your beliefs.

Changes and losses of aging challenge us.

Staying positive takes practice.

Draw upon a lifetime of successes and experiences.

It’s never too late to make a fresh start.

Positive Attitude

Various expressions of spirituality.

Faith, prayer, and spiritual community help immensely in dealing with challenges of aging.

Those who are spiritually active stay healthier, use fewer health care dollars, and manage stress better.

Some see aging as advanced training for soul.

Spirituality can help us transcend even the decline and death of the physical body.

Spiritual Vitality

PERSONAL ACTION PLAN 

As a small personal commitment to positive aging,

within the next week I will:

“The best classroomis at the feet of anelderly person.”

 Andy Rooney

television commentator

MAKING THE MOST OF YOURLATER LIFE ADVENTURE

Aging Gracefully

Thank You!