Trends in Aging

1. Trends in Aging Betsy Zuber Geriatric Specialist Mercer Island Youth & Family Services (206) 275-7752 betsy.zuber@mercergov.org

2. What is Aging? • Progression of life • Physical changes in the body over time • Can depend on heredity, past illnesses, life style, & how we perceive the aging process • Is not a disease

3. Aging History • Gerontocracy – Power, Wisdom, Family Structure, Advice • Industrial Revolution – Growing disregard for the old • Social Security – 1935 • Medical Advances and technology • Baby Boomers & Changes in Life Expectancy • Use of the internet, professionals, self-help books

4. When are we old?

5. New Trends • This is the first time in recorded history that we can expect to reach the age of 100. • Fastest growing segment of the population world-wide is people 75+. • Don’t waste time on what you do not have control over, pay attention to what makes you happy. • No traditional retirement, 2nd careers

6. 65 and older growth expectations in U.S.

7. Ageism • Stereotypes • Prejudices • Misconceptions

8. Why do we believe youth is better than getting older? • Intergenerational family interaction – Publicly provided resources vs. Family obligation • Had more younger than older – Longevity • Negative portrayal of older people in the media, film, news • Our own negative beliefs, experiences, fears • Purpose and meaning in the greater culture

9. How do we Combat Ageism? • Reframe value of all ages in our culture • Increase multigenerational connections throughout the lifespan • Question our own beliefs. How we view older adults can improve society = tolerance

10. Aging as a Public Health Issue & Increased Life Expectancy • Health Impacts • Higher Usage of Medical Care – Costs? • Decreased Independence • Needing help – Who provides? • “Third Act” • Healthy Aging through the lifespan • Increased expertise - Volunteer • Age Discrimination

11. Successful Positive Aging • Regular physical and mental activity, proper nutrition • Good coping skills • Acquire flexible thinking, try new things, have a variety of interests • Continue to build new friendships • Practice positive thinking, learn to adapt to change, get rid of self-doubt • Live with no regrets • You can control your own happiness

12. Activity – Two Truths & a Lie

13. Round One • Older people are happier than younger people • Most older people live in the Southern Sunbelt States of America • Humans can live to 130 years old

14. Round Two • During your 40’s you will experience a midlife crisis – a time of considerable psychological turmoil • Your personality develops over time and can change as you get older • More families are living together multigenerationally

15. Round Three • Older people can change their health by changing their lifestyle habits • As you get older you will become more depressed • Your ability to cope with change and stress as you get older gets better

16. Careers in the Aging Field • Social Work • Recreation • Medical - Nurse, Doctor, Rehabilitation – PT, OT, - Clinics, Hospitals • Insurance • Attorneys • Travel Industry • Housing • Marketing • Financial/Investments • Real Estate

17. Conclusions • Prepare, plan & expect to grow older • Challenge your beliefs about older adults • Healthy aging starts now and can benefit you as you grow older • Treat older adults as you would like to be treated when you are older