“Aging is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength.” Betty Friedan
The current growth in the older adult population is unprecedented in our nation’s history. By 2030 one out of five people in the U.S. will be 65-plus. Already, there are more older adults than school age children in Berrien County.
The aging of America is often touted as cause for great concern. This demographic shift, we hear, will pose challenges by increasing the burden on public health programs, reducing tax revenues, and lowering the pool of skilled workers. Yet this demographic shift also affords us an unprecedented opportunity to tap a skilled and knowledgeable population that can contribute to state and local economies through both paid employment and volunteer engagement.
Paul H. Irving, former president of the Milken Institute, says in his book, The Upside of Aging, “The economic benefits far outweigh the challenges that come with an aging society. The extension of life, and the extension of healthy life, are positive developments to be celebrated, not feared. Their impact will be an economic boon, not a drag.”
Seniors volunteering in Area Agency on Aging programs served over 120,000 hours last year. Some provided support in local classrooms helping at-risk children learn the early literacy, math and social skills needed to succeed in school and in life. Others volunteered their time providing companionship services to frail, home bound older adults and provided relief allowing family caregivers to take a break. Still others taught classes at the Campus for Creative Aging or provided reception and clerical support.
While their volunteer service is priceless to us, the Independent Sector (Washington, D.C.) puts the value of their collective hours of service to our community at more than $3 million. Nationally, older adult volunteers contribute approximately $162 billion annually to the U.S. economy. (Washington, DC: The Urban Institute)
Volunteerism is just one way older adults make vital contributions to our society. Twenty-five million people age 50 and older provide unpaid caregiving services for other adults who are ill, frail, or have a disability each year. The value of their unpaid caregiving is estimated at over $22 billion annually.
Substantial evidence shows that employers can also benefit from the expertise of older employees. Seasoned workers are well positioned to serve as mentors to younger staff. As technology advances, it’s often assumed older workers are too out of date to be effective. In fact, this has much more to do with training than with age. Companies that provide training across the career-span will benefit from the wisdom and expertise of older employees.
The vitality of our communities, state, and nation is at stake as we collectively determine how we respond to the aging of America. When we embrace the benefits of an older population, and position our communities to meet their needs, we all will be the beneficiaries of the talents, wisdom, and expertise this population has to share.
The majority of us will live well beyond what is currently defined as “senior”. It’s in our collective best interest to ensure our communities, state and nation develop into a place where we can all age with dignity and independence and stay engaged as we age.
If you’re looking for ways to maximize your latter decades of life, consider checking out the Campus for Creative Aging. As a hub for knowledge and connection across southwest Michigan, the Campus offers programming to explore purpose and possibilities. Whether you’re looking for volunteer opportunities, employment and computer training, or life enrichment strategies, you’ll find a team dedicated to ensuring that you have opportunities to age with creativity, purpose, growth, and learning. Contact Amy at (269) 982-7748 to learn more.