As British Prime Minister Winston Churchill so famously commanded during World War II: “Never, never give up!”
So, I shall not. Building on the shocking statistics concerning elder abuse I shared last time let’s see if today’s information strikes an alarm bell in you.
When I wrote about burgeoning aging populations around the globe in 2012, fewer people than I might have anticipated stood up and took notice. In the meantime, the exploding numbers have significantly worsened.
Around the World
There are more people around the globe ALREADY TODAY aged 65 and older than the entire populations of Russia, Japan, France, Germany and Australia combined. By 2030, 55 countries are expected to see their age 65+ populations become 20% of their total. By 2040, the number of older people globally will be 1.3 billion – accounting for 14% of the total. Though it feels distant, 2030 is only 15 years from now!
The National Picture
Would you be astounded to know China and India have the largest older populations? By 2050 Chinese elders will grow 30% from 109- to 350-million while in India those equivalent numbers will go from 62- to 240-million. So, this is not simply a North American problem. By the way, the United States already contains more people age 65 and older than the total population of Canada!
What’s Trending
By 2030, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates a population of 71-72 million Americans over 65. That amounts to one in five. The fastest growing segment of America’s population consists of those 85 and up. In 2010, the U.S. had 5.8 million people aged 85 or more. By 2050, projections indicate that number will be 19 million. Each year more than 3.5 million Boomers turn 55. This “Boomer Generation” effect will continue for decades.
My Call to Action
I am seeking dedicated advocates who want to join me in doing something about preparing society’s systems to be ready for this mushroom cloud – which they are most certainly not today!
I recently enjoyed the pleasure and privilege of attending the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Conference in Miami. How heartening! Now, there’s a worthy organization doing plenty to address the massive issues at all levels of society!
Keep staying tuned for my follow-up book, Coping with Un-cope-able Systems: ADVOCACY for Eldercare.
As always, I look forward to hearing from you at support@carolannhamilton.com or (905) 822-2503.
Carol-Ann Hamilton
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