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Seniors: The Changing Face of Demographics
from: Pat MoauroIn many cultures, individuals are considered seniors when they reach age sixty-five or older. This is normally referred to as old age chiefly because it is the age of retirement, especially in North America.
Other terms to describe persons more than sixty-five, include: golden-ager, oldster, baby boomer and retiree. Whatever name is used to describe them, seniors are valuable, contributing members of society.
For example, look at print and electronic advertisements today and you will see how many are geared towards seniors. The beauty market has recognized the purchasing power of seniors and is marketing some products directly to them. The anti-aging skin care market is now big business as advertisers realize that this vast market was previously untapped.
Statistics indicate that by 2010 there will be more Americans aged fifty and older than young people under eighteen. Current statistics show seniors make up 12.1 percent of the American population.
The main reason for this increase in seniors is the ever improving life expectancy of the average American. Not surprisingly, the world's aging population in general is also increasing as life expectancy increases as well.
The increase in the number of seniors can largely be attributed to improved health care which helps to prolong life. With this increase many new needs are arising, not only among seniors themselves, but society as a whole.
Seniors need to keep fit and active, to find suitable housing if it becomes necessary to move. For others the issue is finding new employment. Society on the other hand must ensure that proper social services specific to the needs of the elderly are available. This is especially important since seniors have needs particular to their age.
Health care and access to affordable drugs are important issues to seniors. A related issue is the difficulty most seniors face in getting affordable health insurance. It is a fact of life that as we age we develop health conditions related to aging and for many seniors, treatment is expensive. This places a burden on seniors as well as family members if they are unable to afford necessary drugs.
On the other hand, because the population is aging so rapidly, government agencies are hard pressed to keep up with the needs of seniors.
Seniors are staying in the workforce longer, with many continuing to work long after reaching age sixty-five. This too has an impact on society, as more jobs need to be created. By working longer, seniors are ensuring that their experience and knowledge is not lost but passed on to younger members of the workforce.
No longer do the terms 'seniors' or 'senior citizens' denote feeble old men and women; the seniors of today are generally fit, contributing members of society.
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