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Senior Citizen Resources
People in the 65 and over age group are usually referred to as senior citizens. There are many stereotypes about elderly people, such as having to use a cane to walk, frequent visits to doctors, and sleeping a lot. These are untrue and very judgmental. Most senior citizens are quite capable of easy mobility and caring for themselves, unless they have one of the illnesses that can be seen to come with aging.
Worldwide, the number of people 65 and older is increasing faster than ever before. In the United States, the percentage of people 65 or older increased from 4% in 1900 to close to 13% by the end of the century. In 1900, only about 3 million citizens had reached age 65. By the end of the century, the number of senior citizens had increased to about 34 million. Population experts estimate that there will be more than 50 million Americans 65 or older by 2020, approximately 17% of the population.
Statistics indicate that there will be more Americans aged 55 and over by 2010 than there will be young people under 18. Current statistics show seniors make up 12% 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 among seniors and society as a whole.
For seniors, there is the need to keep fit and active, to find suitable housing if it becomes necessary to move, and for some finding new employment. Society has to ensure that proper social services specific to the needs of the aging are available. This is especially important as seniors have needs particular to their age.
Health care and access to affordable drugs are important issues to seniors. Related to this 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. Since the population is aging so rapidly, government agencies are hard pressed to keep up with the needs of seniors.
Seniors are remaining in the workforce longer. Many seniors keep working long after reaching age 65. This 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.
The terms "seniors" or "senior citizens" no longer denote feeble old men and women. The seniors of today are generally fit, contributing members of society.
To illustrate this point, just take a look at many advertisements today and you will see many are geared towards seniors. The beauty market has recognized the purchasing power of seniors and is marketing more products directly to them. The anti-aging skin care market is now big business as advertisers realize this vast previously untapped market. |
