- Getting older doesn't mean you have to act "old"...
Increasing life expectancy is a fantastic indicator of a population’s health, and the gift of extended retirement is one to be cherished. There is, however, an undeniable challenge posed by the inversion of the age pyramid to one where older generations are dominant; however, according to the World Economic Forum, this challenge is also a gigantic opportunity. With creativity and a mind on sustainability, the eldest generations could become America’s most potent resource.
Providing independence
The first key step is promoting independence. Independence is absolutely crucial for senior citizen’s happiness; as one case study presented by the NIA highlights, moving from a home of 40 years can be traumatic and dehumanizing. Properly modifying the home, through the use of physical aids and smart technology, will promote independence effectively and help senior citizens to gain a level of confidence and self-assurance that can then be harnessed for the betterment of the country.
Senior citizen workers
While the proportion of senior citizens is increasing, so is the proportion of adults taking early retirement. According to Pew Research, 2% more adults are now retiring early – at 55 or earlier – due to positive economic circumstances. This presents an opportunity; these workers are likely to be more motivated by doing a good job or the enjoyment of their role than their peers who need to work purely for remuneration. Promoting good jobs, with a healthy work/life balance, can arguably enrich the employment market.
A health care overhaul
With those benefits comes the potential for healthcare overhaul. Business Insider notes already that the strained medical system needs action to deal with the rising numbers of senior citizens – regardless of all-inclusive insurance or not. Rather than seeing this as a challenge to throw money at, however, this is an opportunity to reform healthcare across the USA for the better. Senior citizens can be the catalyst for major change that so many groups across the country are in sore need of. In turn, that will provide a sustainable solution to the next generation when they take their own retirement packages.
Providing senior citizens with what they need to flourish is an opportunity. Employment, independence and healthcare will help them to improve their own utility in modern society. This, in turn, sets up a sustainable future for the next generation to hang up their work boots and enjoy retirement.