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How Old Can We Get?
A traditionally youth-oriented culture braces for the graying of the Baby Boomers
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Business New Haven
9/30/2002
By: Anne-Marie Brungard
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The nation1s Baby Boomers are getting older and with it society is presented with a series of formidable challenges.
John Tarutis, executive director of Laurel Gardens of Orange, notes that society will have to reallocate resources and services, such as housing and health care, while making strategic policy changes in government to address the changing and growing needs of the 3new2 older population.
In 1999, there were 34.7 million adults 65 and older, representing about 13 percent of the population of the United States. Of those, 4.2 million Americans were aged 85 years and up, representing 1.5 percent of the population.
The number of individuals over 65 is expected to double over the next three decades to nearly 70 million 20 percent of the projected population. The U.S. Bureau of the Census projects the 65-plus population will be 39.4 million in 2010, 53.2 million in 2020 and, 69.4 million in 2030. The population of those aged 80 and older is currently 9.2 million, or 3.35 percent of the U.S. population. This age group is projected to grow to 14.9 million (4.4 percent) by 2025 and to 31.6 million (7.82 percent) by 2050.
According to the U.S. Administration on Aging: 3The gain in U.S. life expectancy during the 20th century was a major victory for public health. The challenge will be to make these added years quality years.2
Baby Boomers as a group can be defined by any number of characteristics, but one certainly is their pursuit of quality. They are largely the driven corporate executives and entrepreneurs. Their level of education and subsequent earnings are higher than that of those who came before them, and they have generally been considered a health-conscious group buying into the benefits of holistic medicine, tofu, exercise and organic vegetables.
But the growing number of older adults places increasing demands on public health, medical and social-service support systems. The U.S. Administration on Aging1s The Aging States Project reports that currently almost one-third of all U.S. health-care expenditures more than $300 billion annually is spent on older adults. It is estimated that health care spending will increase by 25 percent by 2030, without additional emphasis on prevention, simply because the population will be older. This figure does not account for inflation or the rising costs of technology.
Poor health is by no means an inevitable consequence of aging. Given the demographic revolution underway, efforts are underway to employ strategies that improve health, reduce the impact of disease and delay disability and the need for long-term care.
3Education is key,2 says Jean Crisanti, director of marketing of Whitney Center in Hamden. 3Prevention and wellness programs are offered on-site at the Center, however the education process starts much earlier and older adults can only benefit from efforts to improve both physical and metal health.2
This education process includes health promotion and disease prevention programs, including health screenings and physical fitness/exercise programs. In general, funding sources that drive state health departments like the Centers for Disease Control or block grants, do not require older adults to be a priority population and for this reason may often be overlooked. But standing in the gap are the plethora of health related business that have grown to address the needs of older Americans, like specialized physical fitness programs, wrinkle reduction, weight loss and transportation companies.
3Prescription drug spending increased 40 percent in three years,2 says Barry Averill, president of Health Net of the Northeast, speaking at a Connecticut Business & Industry Association conference. 3Hospitals are demanding, and getting higher fees, because they are getting less government reimbursement for Medicare and Medicaid.2 He also points out that the nursing shortage also impacts the rising cost of health care as hospitals raise salaries to attract new employees.
Connecticut employers are still feeling the pain from last year1s double-digit increase in health care benefit costs. The CBIA Web site estimates that companies are anticipating an additional 14 percent increase this year. A recent survey conducted by the University of Connecticut1s Center for Survey Research showed that 3cost increases are occurring across the board - in small companies and large companies, insures and self-insured.2 Paul Philpott, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for ConnectiCare adds, 3In-patient hospital costs and pharmacy costs are the two fastest-rising health care costs.2
While health care costs are rising, it is important to note that about ten percent of older Americans in 1998, lived below the poverty line. Percentages of older people living below the poverty level included 9 percent of older whites, 26 percent of older blacks and 21 percent of older Latinos.
Most people 65 and older live with family members. The National Council On Aging (NCOA) estimates that among older adults not living in nursing homes, roughly two out of three live with spouses or family members (80 percent of men and 58 percent of women). While 20 percent of these older men live alone, 42 percent of older women live alone. Despite the infirmities that accompany increased longevity, the majority of seniors can and do remain in their own homes. The cost of maintaining the home, and ease of access to shopping, services and family is crucial when facing the reality of 3aging-in-place.2
Changing circumstances, like the death of a spouse, illness, or the limitations of a fixed income may force a change in living arrangements. This trend has fueled the increase in the number of assisted living and retirement communities - from the ordinary to the luxurious; what was once fashionable in Florida and on the West Coast, is growing significantly now in the Northeast. The gap between living independently at home and entering a nursing home has expanded because older Americans are healthier in general.
3The strength of the industry is its flexibility,2 Tarutis reports. Laurel Gardens is part of Athena, the largest provider of assisted living in the state. The assisted living community recognizes that adults are living longer, but with some level of need. 3We are able to offer services like housekeeping and transportation, based on the individual1s needs,2 adds Tarutis. 3The [company] can also accommodate short-term stays (like post-operative) and even intermittent stays.2 Some residents spend their winters in Florida while living in Connecticut during the summer months.
Tarutis believes that this creates options beyond home care, a nursing home or an extended stay in a hospital.
In contrast, Whitney Center is a continuing care retirement community. The not-for profit corporation, established in 1979, offers 3life care coverage,2 according to Crisanti. The difference is that residents enter the center living independently and in good health. Additional assistance is available when needed and the intensity increases accordingly, up to and including the on-site nursing home, provided at no additional charge.
The choice of amenities is determined by the type of facility and, of course, the price. From indoor heated pools to beauty parlors, and from fitness room to bars, there are many offerings. Most facilities base their prices on the size of the room or apartment.
Nursing homes are still an important component of health services for the elderly. It is estimated that 1.43 million in 1996, or 4.2 percent of the senior population were living in nursing homes. The demand for nursing homes and other health-care services for the elderly will increase significantly as the Baby Boomer age.
The family structure is changing to reflect the presence of aging children. The NCOA reports that 3the proportion of Americans age 60 with at least one parent alive has risen dramatically this century, from 7 percent in 1900 to 44 percent in 2000.2 In 1960, 14 percent of Americans age 50 still had both parents alive, that proportion has nearly doubled to 27 percent today. The implications are that those in mid-life are providing care for their own children and in many cases for aging parents while maintaining employment.
Meanwhile, many older adults approaching retirement or in retirement find themselves caring for and raising their grandchildren. This is not a new development; grandparents have always stepped in to raise grandchildren or other relatives. What is new is the growth of this phenomenon. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 1973, 3.9 million children were living in homes maintained by their grandparents. Now the figure is up 76 percent from 2.2 million in 1970. Grandparents who are caregivers tend to be women and younger than 65.
The increase in numbers can be accounted for when considering incarceration or unemployment of parents, substance abuse, teen pregnancy, family violence and HIV/AIDS. Assuming the role of parent also brings a myriad of challenges. There is the psychological and emotional strain as well as financial pressures.
Grandparents and caregivers alike can find themselves in need of respite care, affordable housing and medical care.
Increasing numbers of older adults are staying in the workforce. So who will be the workers of the future? Many will be older Baby Boomers, according to the U.S. Administration on Aging. 3Many older adults believe that the higher levels of education they possess will allow them to continue making unique contributions to society.2 The U.S. Census indicates that many older workers are among the 17 percent of older Americans who have incomes of less that 125% of poverty.
A 1997 Radcliffe Public Policy Institute study projects that the number of workers age 45 and over will reach 17 million between 1994 and 2005. The study, which focuses on training older workers, notes, 3Neither employers nor employees can afford to sit by as the skills of the workforce become obsolete.2
Studies show that intelligence and productivity do not necessarily diminish as people age. Whitney Center1s Crisanti said, 3Many residents maintain part-time employment. This is a strong cultural residential community. They are very active, involved and working, some maintaining offices at Yale.2
Today, the knowledge and skills most in demand are those associated with the high technology and the service industries. Changing demographics and emergent technologies is shaping the future world of work. Today1s just-in-time production demands just-in-time workers. Skilled, contingency, part-time or temporary workers can be hired to fill existing needs.
Many older workers wish to continue working, have the flexibility to respond to time constraints and, the desire to learn new skills. An AARP study reports that one in eight Baby Boomers expect to work, at least part-time, during traditional retirement years, with 17 percent of the group surveyed envisioning starting their own business.
It is anticipated that we will see more older workers remaining in, and reentering the workforce. The economy is responsive to the needs of part time and temporary workers with skills in technology. Given this new and evolving environment, the AOA expects older workers to secure their place in the workforce of the 21st century with ease.
So how old can we get? Frenchwoman Jeanne Calment is reported to be the oldest human on record she celebrated 122 birthdays. The oldest living female today is Kamato Hongo. This Japanese mother and grandmother recently celebrated her 115th birthday.
But is it really the number that makes the matters? Presumably we should all be concerned with living healthier lifestyles challenging our minds and bodies.
The Outer Limits
So how old can we really get?
¤ In 1900, life expectancy was 47.3 years; in 1950, it was 68.2 years (all races both sexes).
¤ Children born in 1997 have a life expectancy of 76.5 years (73.6 years for men, 79.4 for women).
¤ People reaching the age of 65 in 1997 had an average life expectancy of 17.7 more years. Women reaching age 65 could expect to live 19.2 more years (to age 84), on average men could expect to live an additional 15.9 years (to nearly 81).
¤ The projected life expectancy for the year 2050 is 77.5 years for men and 82.9 years for women.
Sources: National Council On the Aging (www.ncoa.org), National Vital Statistics Reports, Vol. 47, No. 13 and 19, Social Security Administration, Social Security Area Population Projections, 1997
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