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Aging in an Aging Society Diversity, Challenges, and Potential for Civic Engagement

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Aging in an Aging Society Diversity, Challenges, and Potential for Civic Engagement

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    1. Aging in an Aging Society Diversity, Challenges, and Potential for Civic Engagement Victor W. Marshall, PhD UNC Institute on Aging Victor_marshall@unc.edu

    2. Outline The Aging of America Diversity of the Older Population Family and Household Factors Associated with Civic Engagement

    3. THE AGING OF AMERICA Three Factors Affect the Age Structure of any Population Birth Rates (which have fallen) Life Expectancy (which has increased) Immigration and Migration Rates

    4. U.S. Population Pyramids DEMOGRAPHERS CALLED IT A POPULATION PYRAMID BEFORE THE BABY BOOM CAME ALONG, WHEN YOU COULD CHART THE AGE STRUCTURE AND IT DID LOOK LIKE A PYRAMID THE BABY BOOMERS--- BORN 1946-1964 PIG IN A PYTHON ALSO NOTE– MORE GREEN THAN BLUE IN THE UPPER REGIONS– THIS REFLECTS THE FACT THAT WOMEN LIVE LONGER THAN MEN. DEMOGRAPHERS CALLED IT A POPULATION PYRAMID BEFORE THE BABY BOOM CAME ALONG, WHEN YOU COULD CHART THE AGE STRUCTURE AND IT DID LOOK LIKE A PYRAMID THE BABY BOOMERS--- BORN 1946-1964 PIG IN A PYTHON ALSO NOTE– MORE GREEN THAN BLUE IN THE UPPER REGIONS– THIS REFLECTS THE FACT THAT WOMEN LIVE LONGER THAN MEN.

    5. Declining Fertility US completed fertility higher than most industrialized countries (about 1.9) But has declined (from 3.1 in 1975) Hispanic women’s birth rate 66% higher than non-hispanic white women (96.9/1000 aged 15-44 versus 58.5) Source: US Census Bureau NOTE COMPLETED FERTILITY RATE EUROPEAN COUNTRIES– AS LOW AS 1.2 OR 1.3 CANADA 1.4NOTE COMPLETED FERTILITY RATE EUROPEAN COUNTRIES– AS LOW AS 1.2 OR 1.3 CANADA 1.4

    6. TURNING TO LIFE EXPECTANCY-- Americans are living longer than ever before. This slides shows changes in life expectancy for older adults during the past century. It’s not shown on this slide, so I’ve added it, In 1900, life expectancy at birth was 47 years; in 2000 life expectancy at birth was 77 years ++ ++ What this slide shows is life expectancies, or expected remaining years of life, among men and women who reach the age of 65 (in the green solid and dotted lines) and those who reach the age 85 (in the solid and dotted blue lines) have steadily increased since 1900. In 1900, people who reached the age of 65 could expect to live about 12 more years, ++ but in 2001, 65 year olds can expect to live nearly 18 more years (19.4 years for females and 16.4 years for males). ++ In 1900, people who reached the age of 85 could expect to live about 4 more years, but for those people who survive to age 85 today, they can expect to live about 7 more years. ++ ++ This slide also shows that for both age groups, women have the edge over men in life expectancy but we’re seeing that gap narrow. It isn’t shown here but life expectancy varies by race. Although the data is not shown on this slide, life expectancy varies between Whites and Blacks. At birth, the life expectancy of Whites is 5.5 years higher than for African Americans, but by age 65, that difference is reduced to 2 years and by age 85, the difference reverses with African Americans having a slightly higher life expectancy than for Whites. TURNING TO LIFE EXPECTANCY-- Americans are living longer than ever before. This slides shows changes in life expectancy for older adults during the past century. It’s not shown on this slide, so I’ve added it, In 1900, life expectancy at birth was 47 years; in 2000 life expectancy at birth was 77 years ++ ++ What this slide shows is life expectancies, or expected remaining years of life, among men and women who reach the age of 65 (in the green solid and dotted lines) and those who reach the age 85 (in the solid and dotted blue lines) have steadily increased since 1900. In 1900, people who reached the age of 65 could expect to live about 12 more years, ++ but in 2001, 65 year olds can expect to live nearly 18 more years (19.4 years for females and 16.4 years for males). ++ In 1900, people who reached the age of 85 could expect to live about 4 more years, but for those people who survive to age 85 today, they can expect to live about 7 more years. ++ ++ This slide also shows that for both age groups, women have the edge over men in life expectancy but we’re seeing that gap narrow. It isn’t shown here but life expectancy varies by race. Although the data is not shown on this slide, life expectancy varies between Whites and Blacks. At birth, the life expectancy of Whites is 5.5 years higher than for African Americans, but by age 65, that difference is reduced to 2 years and by age 85, the difference reverses with African Americans having a slightly higher life expectancy than for Whites.

    7. This slide shows the growth of the older population from 1900 to the present and projects that growth to 2050. Over the 20th century, the population of adults age 65 and over (shown here in orange) grew from 3 million to 35 million or 12% of the population. ++ ++ During the same time period, the oldest-old population (those age 85 and over) grew from just over 100,000 in 1900 to 4.2 million in 2000. ++ ++ However, in 2011, the Baby Boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) will start turning 65. ++ The number of older people will increase dramatically during the 2010-2030 period. The size of the older population in 2030 is projected to be twice as large as their counterparts in 2000, representing nearly 20 percent of the total U.S. population. After 2030, the growth rate of the older population is projected to slow down and stabilize at around 20 percent of the total population when the last Baby Boomers enter the ranks of the older population. +++ However, the oldest-old population is projected to continue to grow rapidly after 2030, when the Baby Boomers move into this age group. The U.S. Census Bureau projects that the population age 85 and over could grow from 4.2 million in 2000 to nearly 21 million by 2050. +++ From a global perspective, two-thirds of all seniors in the world who have ever lived are alive today. The United States is fairly young for a developed country, with just over 12 percent of its total population age 65 and over. The older population made up more than 15 percent of the population in most European countries and nearly 19 percent in both Italy and Japan in 2003. This slide shows the growth of the older population from 1900 to the present and projects that growth to 2050. Over the 20th century, the population of adults age 65 and over (shown here in orange) grew from 3 million to 35 million or 12% of the population. ++ ++ During the same time period, the oldest-old population (those age 85 and over) grew from just over 100,000 in 1900 to 4.2 million in 2000. ++ ++ However, in 2011, the Baby Boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) will start turning 65. ++ The number of older people will increase dramatically during the 2010-2030 period. The size of the older population in 2030 is projected to be twice as large as their counterparts in 2000, representing nearly 20 percent of the total U.S. population. After 2030, the growth rate of the older population is projected to slow down and stabilize at around 20 percent of the total population when the last Baby Boomers enter the ranks of the older population. +++ However, the oldest-old population is projected to continue to grow rapidly after 2030, when the Baby Boomers move into this age group. The U.S. Census Bureau projects that the population age 85 and over could grow from 4.2 million in 2000 to nearly 21 million by 2050. +++ From a global perspective, two-thirds of all seniors in the world who have ever lived are alive today. The United States is fairly young for a developed country, with just over 12 percent of its total population age 65 and over. The older population made up more than 15 percent of the population in most European countries and nearly 19 percent in both Italy and Japan in 2003.

    8. Increases in the Oldest Old U.S. Population Aged 85+ (millions) THERE IS A GROWING NUMBER OF OLDER PEOPLE WHO ARE IN FACT VERY OLD– THE TERM ‘OLDEST OLD’ IS SOMETIMES USED TO REFER TO PEOPLE AGE 85 AND OLDER, AND YOU CAN SEE THAT THEIR NUMBERS ARE GROWING DRMATICALLY, SO THAT WE CAN EXPECT TO HAVAE 17.7 MILLION AMERICANS AGE 85 OR OLDER BY THE YEAR 2050THERE IS A GROWING NUMBER OF OLDER PEOPLE WHO ARE IN FACT VERY OLD– THE TERM ‘OLDEST OLD’ IS SOMETIMES USED TO REFER TO PEOPLE AGE 85 AND OLDER, AND YOU CAN SEE THAT THEIR NUMBERS ARE GROWING DRMATICALLY, SO THAT WE CAN EXPECT TO HAVAE 17.7 MILLION AMERICANS AGE 85 OR OLDER BY THE YEAR 2050

    9. The likelihood that an American who is age 65 will survive to the age of 90 has quadrupled since 1940.  By 2050, 2 out of 5 65 years old are likely to reach the age of 90. The likelihood that an American who is age 65 will survive to the age of 90 has quadrupled since 1940.  By 2050, 2 out of 5 65 years old are likely to reach the age of 90.

    10. Living to 100 Number of Centenarians in the U.S. And the age limits of the oldest old is increasing. This slide is not about life expectancy, it’s about the actual number and predicted number of centenarians in the US. Currently, there are about 72,000 centenarians, and they make up about 10% of all older adults. That number will grow nearly 12-fold by 2050. The US Census projects that in 2050, 1 out of 4 older adults will live to the age of 100. And the age limits of the oldest old is increasing. This slide is not about life expectancy, it’s about the actual number and predicted number of centenarians in the US. Currently, there are about 72,000 centenarians, and they make up about 10% of all older adults. That number will grow nearly 12-fold by 2050. The US Census projects that in 2050, 1 out of 4 older adults will live to the age of 100.

    11. Population Changes According to Census Bureau projections, the elderly population will more than double between now and the year 2050, to 80 million. Much of this growth is attributed to the "baby boom" generation which will enter their elderly years between 2010 and 2030. The most populous States are also the ones with the largest number of elderly. However, the States with the greatest proportion of elderly are generally different from those with the greatest number. TO SUMMARIZE THE LAST TWO SLIDES-- TO SUMMARIZE THE LAST TWO SLIDES--

    12. Percent of Total State Population 65 Years and Over: 1995 to 2025 Not only is the older population getting larger and living longer, but there seems to be some emerging patterns in their geographic distribution This slide shows the proportion of the population age 65 and over living in each of the States in 1995 on the left and projected for 2025 on the right. As you can see by the legend, for those states in white, the older population is less than 12%. For those states in light blue, the proportion of older adults ranges from 12% to 20%. Projected for 2025, the older adult population in the dark green states is more than 20%. In 2002, Florida had the highest proportion of people age 65 and over, 17 percent. This proportion is partly affected by the State fertility and mortality levels and partly by the number of older and younger people who migrate to and from the State. I’d like to tell you about the phenomena of “aging in place.” Although not shown on this slide, we know that older adults are less likely to change residence than other age groups. Most older adults who moved stayed in the same county (while only 18.8% of the movers moved to another state). Not only is the older population getting larger and living longer, but there seems to be some emerging patterns in their geographic distribution This slide shows the proportion of the population age 65 and over living in each of the States in 1995 on the left and projected for 2025 on the right. As you can see by the legend, for those states in white, the older population is less than 12%. For those states in light blue, the proportion of older adults ranges from 12% to 20%. Projected for 2025, the older adult population in the dark green states is more than 20%. In 2002, Florida had the highest proportion of people age 65 and over, 17 percent. This proportion is partly affected by the State fertility and mortality levels and partly by the number of older and younger people who migrate to and from the State. I’d like to tell you about the phenomena of “aging in place.” Although not shown on this slide, we know that older adults are less likely to change residence than other age groups. Most older adults who moved stayed in the same county (while only 18.8% of the movers moved to another state).

    13. Moving to the Sun Belt Net Migration, Age 65+, 1985-1990 THE STATES IN GREEN LOSE MORE PEOPLE AGED 65+ THAN THEY GAIN. THE STATES IN WHITE, MOSTLY IN THE SUNBELT BUT NOT ONLY, RECEIVE MORE OLDER IN-MIGRANTS THAN THEY LOSE TO OTHER STATES.THE STATES IN GREEN LOSE MORE PEOPLE AGED 65+ THAN THEY GAIN. THE STATES IN WHITE, MOSTLY IN THE SUNBELT BUT NOT ONLY, RECEIVE MORE OLDER IN-MIGRANTS THAN THEY LOSE TO OTHER STATES.

    14. This slide shows regional patterns of growth of the older population. From 1990 to 2000, the most rapid growth was in the west, but notice it’s followed by the south. And the growth rates in the west and south are considerably higher than in the midwest and northeast. The South includes Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. The West includes: Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Nevada, Montana Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico. The Midwest includes: North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio The Northeast includes: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. This slide shows regional patterns of growth of the older population. From 1990 to 2000, the most rapid growth was in the west, but notice it’s followed by the south. And the growth rates in the west and south are considerably higher than in the midwest and northeast. The South includes Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. The West includes: Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Nevada, Montana Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico. The Midwest includes: North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio The Northeast includes: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.

    15. Breaking Down Age 65+ ALL OLD PEOPLE ARE NOT ALIKE. I WANT NOW TO SHOW SOME WAYS IN WHICH THIS IS THE CASEALL OLD PEOPLE ARE NOT ALIKE. I WANT NOW TO SHOW SOME WAYS IN WHICH THIS IS THE CASE

    16. Gender, Race, Class, and Health Differentiation Elderly women outnumber elderly men. The elderly are becoming more racially and ethnically diverse. Poverty rates rise with advancing age. Great variability by health status

    17. Women Live Longer U.S. Population by Gender and Age (2000) THE OLDER YOU GET, THE MORE IT IS A WOMEN’S WORLD. MY FATHER IN LAW, PRIOR TO HIS DEATH, LIVED IN AN ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY, AND THE MEN THERE REFERRED TO THEMSELVES AS AN ‘ENDANGERED SPECIES’.THE OLDER YOU GET, THE MORE IT IS A WOMEN’S WORLD. MY FATHER IN LAW, PRIOR TO HIS DEATH, LIVED IN AN ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY, AND THE MEN THERE REFERRED TO THEMSELVES AS AN ‘ENDANGERED SPECIES’.

    18. Marital status is related not only to one’s emotional well-being, but also to one living arrangements, economic status and the availability of caregiving. This slide shows that in 2003, older men were much more likely than older women to be married. Over three-quarters of men age 65-74 were married, THAT IS THE RED BAR FOR AGE 65-74-- compared with over one-half of women in the same age group. By contrast, older women are much more likely than older men to be widowed or divorced. THIS can affect living arrangements, income and availability of caregiving. Even among the oldest old, nearly 60% of men were married. (Notes: 36 percent of women age 75-84 and 14 percent of women age 85 and over were married. For men, the proportion married also is lower at older ages but not as low as for older women.) Marital status is related not only to one’s emotional well-being, but also to one living arrangements, economic status and the availability of caregiving. This slide shows that in 2003, older men were much more likely than older women to be married. Over three-quarters of men age 65-74 were married, THAT IS THE RED BAR FOR AGE 65-74-- compared with over one-half of women in the same age group. By contrast, older women are much more likely than older men to be widowed or divorced. THIS can affect living arrangements, income and availability of caregiving. Even among the oldest old, nearly 60% of men were married. (Notes: 36 percent of women age 75-84 and 14 percent of women age 85 and over were married. For men, the proportion married also is lower at older ages but not as low as for older women.)

    19. Older Women More Likely to Live Alone Living Arrangements of Older Adults in U.S. (1998) AS A RESULT, WHILE THE LIKELIHOOD OF LIVING ALONE INCREASES FOR BOTH MEN AND WOMEN AS THEY AGE, OLDER WOMEN ARE MORE LIKELY THAN OLDER MEN TO LIVE ALONE.AS A RESULT, WHILE THE LIKELIHOOD OF LIVING ALONE INCREASES FOR BOTH MEN AND WOMEN AS THEY AGE, OLDER WOMEN ARE MORE LIKELY THAN OLDER MEN TO LIVE ALONE.

    20. Differences in Life Expectancies At Age 65 (1998) I WANT TO MAKE THE POINT THAT BOTH RACE AND GENDER PROFOUNDLY AFFECT AGING– AND THIS SLIDE MAKES THAT POINT IN THE MOST OBVIOUS SENSE– LIFE EXPECTANCIES. I WANT TO MAKE THE POINT THAT BOTH RACE AND GENDER PROFOUNDLY AFFECT AGING– AND THIS SLIDE MAKES THAT POINT IN THE MOST OBVIOUS SENSE– LIFE EXPECTANCIES.

    21. Projected Changes Racial Background of U.S. Elderly (2050) THIS SLIDE LOOKS TO THE FUTURE– 2050– AND SHOWS THAT THE OLDER POPULATION WILL BE ETHNICALLY DIVERSE. STILL PREDOMINATELY WHITE (MORE SO THAN THE POPULATION AS A WHOLE ), THERE WEILL BE LARGE NUMBERS OF HISPANICS, AFRICAN AMERICANS, ASIANS, AND ALSO NATIVE AMERICANS.THIS SLIDE LOOKS TO THE FUTURE– 2050– AND SHOWS THAT THE OLDER POPULATION WILL BE ETHNICALLY DIVERSE. STILL PREDOMINATELY WHITE (MORE SO THAN THE POPULATION AS A WHOLE ), THERE WEILL BE LARGE NUMBERS OF HISPANICS, AFRICAN AMERICANS, ASIANS, AND ALSO NATIVE AMERICANS.

    22. Income, 65+ Households Now I want to talk about income-- a factor in economic security and an older adult’s sense of well-being and living well. Most older Americans today have more financial resources than did previous generations. This slide shows that in 2000, while - one of every eight (12.1 percent) households headed by someone age 65 or older had incomes less than $15,000, - nearly half (49.2 percent) had annual incomes of $35,000 or more, and - nearly three in ten households (29.8 percent) have incomes greater than $50,000 per year. Now I want to talk about income-- a factor in economic security and an older adult’s sense of well-being and living well. Most older Americans today have more financial resources than did previous generations. This slide shows that in 2000, while - one of every eight (12.1 percent) households headed by someone age 65 or older had incomes less than $15,000, - nearly half (49.2 percent) had annual incomes of $35,000 or more, and - nearly three in ten households (29.8 percent) have incomes greater than $50,000 per year.

    23. At Risk from Poverty Percent of 65+ in Poverty in the U.S. (1998) RACE OF COURSE MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE– THIS SLIDE SHOWS THE PERCENTAGE IN POVERTY OF THOSE OVER AGE 65, BY RACE AND GENDER. NOTE THAT BLACK FEMALES ARE MORE THAN FOUR TIMES AS LIKELY AS WHITE MALES TO BE AT RISK OF POVERTYRACE OF COURSE MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE– THIS SLIDE SHOWS THE PERCENTAGE IN POVERTY OF THOSE OVER AGE 65, BY RACE AND GENDER. NOTE THAT BLACK FEMALES ARE MORE THAN FOUR TIMES AS LIKELY AS WHITE MALES TO BE AT RISK OF POVERTY

    24. We’ve seen that there’s considerable differences in the median net worth of older adults, but where do older adults stand in relation to the total population? This slide shows the poverty rates of older adults, represented by the red line, as compared to 18 to 64 years olds and those under 18 represented by the blue and green lines) from 1959 to 2002. In 1959, about one in three older people (35%) lived below the poverty threshold and this percentage was the largest of any of the age groups. However, by 2002, the proportion of the older population living in poverty had decreased dramatically to 10 percent. SO THERE HAS BEEN A CROSS-OVER WITH YOUTH POVERTY PRETTY STABLE AND OLD AGE POVERTY DROPPING. HOWEVER, IT IS LIKELY THAT POVERTY IN THE LATER YEARS IS MORE STABLE , WHILE IN THE YOUNGER YEARS IT IS PROBABLY MORE OF A TRANSIENT STATE FOR MOST. We’ve seen that there’s considerable differences in the median net worth of older adults, but where do older adults stand in relation to the total population? This slide shows the poverty rates of older adults, represented by the red line, as compared to 18 to 64 years olds and those under 18 represented by the blue and green lines) from 1959 to 2002. In 1959, about one in three older people (35%) lived below the poverty threshold and this percentage was the largest of any of the age groups. However, by 2002, the proportion of the older population living in poverty had decreased dramatically to 10 percent. SO THERE HAS BEEN A CROSS-OVER WITH YOUTH POVERTY PRETTY STABLE AND OLD AGE POVERTY DROPPING. HOWEVER, IT IS LIKELY THAT POVERTY IN THE LATER YEARS IS MORE STABLE , WHILE IN THE YOUNGER YEARS IT IS PROBABLY MORE OF A TRANSIENT STATE FOR MOST.

    25. HERE IS ANOTHER GRAPHICAL WAY TO LOOK AT THE INCOME DISTRIBUTION FOR THOSE AGED 65 AND OLDER. THE GENERAL TREND HAS BEEN TO LESS POVERTY AMONG THE OLD THAN A QUARTER CENTURY AGO.HERE IS ANOTHER GRAPHICAL WAY TO LOOK AT THE INCOME DISTRIBUTION FOR THOSE AGED 65 AND OLDER. THE GENERAL TREND HAS BEEN TO LESS POVERTY AMONG THE OLD THAN A QUARTER CENTURY AGO.

    26. Change in Median Net Worth of 65+ Households: 1984 - 2001 1984 Average – $98,900 Whites – $113,400 Blacks – $25,600 2001 Average – $179,800 Whites – $205,000 Blacks – $41,000 I want to say a little more about the economic situation of older adults because net worth (the value of real estate, stocks, bonds, and other assets minus outstanding debts) is an important indicator of economic security and well-being. Greater net worth allows an older family to maintain its standard of living when income falls because of job loss, health problems, or family changes such as divorce or widowhood. From 1984 to 2001 the average net worth of older adult households increased 82% from $98,900 to $179, 800. However these numbers mask racial differences. The median net worth of households headed by whites increased 81 percent from $113,400 to $205,000, but the median net worth of households headed by African Americans age 65 and over increased 60 percent from $25,600 to $41,000. So although the rate of growth of wealth between 1984 and 2001 has been substantial for both older African American households and older white households, large differences continue to exist. As you will see later, the net worth of older adults can be greatly compromised by health care costs. I want to say a little more about the economic situation of older adults because net worth (the value of real estate, stocks, bonds, and other assets minus outstanding debts) is an important indicator of economic security and well-being. Greater net worth allows an older family to maintain its standard of living when income falls because of job loss, health problems, or family changes such as divorce or widowhood. From 1984 to 2001 the average net worth of older adult households increased 82% from $98,900 to $179, 800. However these numbers mask racial differences. The median net worth of households headed by whites increased 81 percent from $113,400 to $205,000, but the median net worth of households headed by African Americans age 65 and over increased 60 percent from $25,600 to $41,000. So although the rate of growth of wealth between 1984 and 2001 has been substantial for both older African American households and older white households, large differences continue to exist. As you will see later, the net worth of older adults can be greatly compromised by health care costs.

    27. Older Adults More Likely to Have Disabilities

    28. The overall decrease in disability and functional decline in older adults is reflected in the decreasing proportion of older adults in nursing homes. While this decrease may appear rather small, what is significant is that the decline occurred across all older adult age groups, especially in the population 85 years and over. It’s not shown in this slide, but the percentages of the oldest old residing in nursing home care has declined. In 1990, 24.5 percent of nursing home residents were age 85 and over but in 2000, that rate dropped to only 18.2 percent. The overall decrease in disability and functional decline in older adults is reflected in the decreasing proportion of older adults in nursing homes. While this decrease may appear rather small, what is significant is that the decline occurred across all older adult age groups, especially in the population 85 years and over. It’s not shown in this slide, but the percentages of the oldest old residing in nursing home care has declined. In 1990, 24.5 percent of nursing home residents were age 85 and over but in 2000, that rate dropped to only 18.2 percent.

    29. Factors Related to Active Aging and Civic Engagement EDUCATION: Volunteering, but also work in paid employment higher with increased education LABOR FORCE PARTICIPATION: Is increasing at older ages and policy thrusts will increase it more CAREGIVING: Will place increasing strain on baby boomers and younger old people

    30. Flexibility is a Key Baby boomers and older workers want flexibility in working patterns– for example, phased retirement, flexible hours, telecommuting. This should apply to volunteering and civic engagement activities

    31. Educational Attainment of Population 65+ by Race and Hispanic Origin: 2003 High School Total – 72% White alone – 76% Asian alone – 70% Black alone – 52% Hispanic of any race – 36% Bachelor’s Degree Total – 17% White alone – 19% Asian alone – 29% Black alone – 10% Hispanic of any race –6% We know that education is associated with income level and health status. As a cohort, older adults today are more educated. As this slide shows, in 2003, 72 percent were high school graduates, and 17 percent had at least a Bachelor’s degree. ++ ++ In 1950, only 17 percent of the older population had graduated from high school, and only 3 percent had at least a Bachelor’s degree.  But you can see that despite the overall increase in educational attainment among older Americans, substantial educational differences exist among racial and ethnic groups.  The educational levels of Whites and Asians is considerably higher than that of Blacks and Hispanics of any race. This isn’t shown on the slide but educational differences also exist by gender. In 2003, about one-quarter (23%) of older men had attained at least a Bachelor’s degree as compared to about one in ten (13%) older women. However, the gender gap in completion of a college education will narrow in the future because men and women in younger cohorts are earning college degrees at roughly the same rate.1 We know that education is associated with income level and health status. As a cohort, older adults today are more educated. As this slide shows, in 2003, 72 percent were high school graduates, and 17 percent had at least a Bachelor’s degree. ++ ++ In 1950, only 17 percent of the older population had graduated from high school, and only 3 percent had at least a Bachelor’s degree.  But you can see that despite the overall increase in educational attainment among older Americans, substantial educational differences exist among racial and ethnic groups.  The educational levels of Whites and Asians is considerably higher than that of Blacks and Hispanics of any race. This isn’t shown on the slide but educational differences also exist by gender. In 2003, about one-quarter (23%) of older men had attained at least a Bachelor’s degree as compared to about one in ten (13%) older women. However, the gender gap in completion of a college education will narrow in the future because men and women in younger cohorts are earning college degrees at roughly the same rate.1 

    32. Workforce participation is a component of social engagement and economic well-being. Workforce participation, is the percentage of a group that is in the labor force—that is, either working (employed) or actively looking for work (unemployed). As you can see on this slide, between 1963 and 2003, workforce participation rates generally declined across middle to old age groups for men (90 percent to 75 percent among men age 55-61. Over this period, participation rates declined from 76 percent to 50 percent for men age 62-64 and from 21 percent to 12 percent for men age 70 and over. ) The decline in labor force participation among older men has been attributed to several factors. -The youngest age of eligibility for Social Security bene?ts was reduced from 65 to 62 in the early 1960s. -Greater wealth also allowed older Americans to retire earlier. -The more recent stability of participation rates has been partially explained by the elimination of mandatory retirement laws, liberalization of the Social Security earnings test (the reduction of Social Security bene?ts as earnings exceed speci?ed amounts), and gradual increases in the delayed retirement credit for Social Security bene?ciaries. However, you can see for the age group 65-69, there’s been a gradual increase in participation in the workforce. This may be occuring, in part, because of recent market fluctuations affecting assets and pensions, recent pension scandals and bankruptcies, and also in part, because retirement has become a “process” rather than “event” where retirement and working is no longer mutually exclusive. Workforce participation is a component of social engagement and economic well-being. Workforce participation, is the percentage of a group that is in the labor force—that is, either working (employed) or actively looking for work (unemployed). As you can see on this slide, between 1963 and 2003, workforce participation rates generally declined across middle to old age groups for men (90 percent to 75 percent among men age 55-61. Over this period, participation rates declined from 76 percent to 50 percent for men age 62-64 and from 21 percent to 12 percent for men age 70 and over. ) The decline in labor force participation among older men has been attributed to several factors. -The youngest age of eligibility for Social Security bene?ts was reduced from 65 to 62 in the early 1960s. -Greater wealth also allowed older Americans to retire earlier. -The more recent stability of participation rates has been partially explained by the elimination of mandatory retirement laws, liberalization of the Social Security earnings test (the reduction of Social Security bene?ts as earnings exceed speci?ed amounts), and gradual increases in the delayed retirement credit for Social Security bene?ciaries. However, you can see for the age group 65-69, there’s been a gradual increase in participation in the workforce. This may be occuring, in part, because of recent market fluctuations affecting assets and pensions, recent pension scandals and bankruptcies, and also in part, because retirement has become a “process” rather than “event” where retirement and working is no longer mutually exclusive.

    33. The workforce participation story for older women is different. During the past four decades participation rates have risen among all groups of middle aged and older women, but mostly among women age 55. (The increase has been largest among women age 55-61 from 44 percent in 1963 to nearly 63 percent in 2003). In recent years, the increase in participation rates for women age 62-64, and 65-69 has been somewhat larger.) Labor force participation rates for older women re?ect changes in the work experience of successive generations of women. Many women now in their 60s and 70s did not work outside the home when they were younger, or they moved in and out of the labor force. As new cohorts of women approach older ages, they are participating in the labor force at higher rates than previous generations. Women are also more educated and trained for employment. The difference between labor force participation rates for men and women has narrowed over time. Among people age 55-61, for example, the gap between men’s and women’s rates in 2003 was 12 percentage points, compared with 46 percentage points back in 1963.  A recent analysis by Business Week finds that the higher workforce participation of older Americans could add 9% to the GDP by 2045 (assuming the health and technology gap between younger and older worker is reduced) This 9% increase in GDP would add more than $3 trillion a years in today’s dollars to the country’s economic output. Also can impact solvency of Social SecurityThe workforce participation story for older women is different. During the past four decades participation rates have risen among all groups of middle aged and older women, but mostly among women age 55. (The increase has been largest among women age 55-61 from 44 percent in 1963 to nearly 63 percent in 2003). In recent years, the increase in participation rates for women age 62-64, and 65-69 has been somewhat larger.) Labor force participation rates for older women re?ect changes in the work experience of successive generations of women. Many women now in their 60s and 70s did not work outside the home when they were younger, or they moved in and out of the labor force. As new cohorts of women approach older ages, they are participating in the labor force at higher rates than previous generations. Women are also more educated and trained for employment. The difference between labor force participation rates for men and women has narrowed over time. Among people age 55-61, for example, the gap between men’s and women’s rates in 2003 was 12 percentage points, compared with 46 percentage points back in 1963.  A recent analysis by Business Week finds that the higher workforce participation of older Americans could add 9% to the GDP by 2045 (assuming the health and technology gap between younger and older worker is reduced) This 9% increase in GDP would add more than $3 trillion a years in today’s dollars to the country’s economic output. Also can impact solvency of Social Security

    34. Value and Cost of Informal Caregiving 12.8 million Americans need care 7.3 million are 65 and older The value of informal caregiving is estimated at $196 billion per year Informal caregiving exceeds nursing home and home care expenses by $81 billion Caregiving costs U.S. businesses $11.4 billion annually Caregivers lose up to $659,139 over a lifetime Now, this last area that I’ll cover in our discussion of older adults living longer and whether they’re living well. Caregiving encompasses health, living arrangements, economics, social and health needs. This slide shows some selected statistics underlying the significant and growing demand for caregiving. As you can see, more than 7 million older adults need help with every day activities. Caregivers are providing substantial unpaid, informal help with these basic tasks of personal care as well as household maintenance chores (the ADLs and IADLs I described earlier). However, as this slide shows, informal caregiving is a major cost to families, businesses, communities and our society and with the projected future growth of the older population, these costs are also expected to increase. Now, this last area that I’ll cover in our discussion of older adults living longer and whether they’re living well. Caregiving encompasses health, living arrangements, economics, social and health needs. This slide shows some selected statistics underlying the significant and growing demand for caregiving. As you can see, more than 7 million older adults need help with every day activities. Caregivers are providing substantial unpaid, informal help with these basic tasks of personal care as well as household maintenance chores (the ADLs and IADLs I described earlier). However, as this slide shows, informal caregiving is a major cost to families, businesses, communities and our society and with the projected future growth of the older population, these costs are also expected to increase.

    35. Older Adults as Volunteers   I’m now going to talk about social engagement. Dr. William Thomas argues in his recent book titled, “What are Old People For?” (VanderWyk & Burnham, 2004) that the process of growing into old age is a time of transition from a “have to do” to “want to do” focus in life. That is a change from doing, out of work and family obligation, to being and reaching out for something new and different. In this transition, as many older adults leave the work environment, or are freed up from household or caregiving tasks, they seek avenues to contribute back to society or to contribute at a higher level than they had in earlier years. Civic engagement is a form of “wanting to do” and it reflects the social engagement component of healthy aging. We know that many older adults define their sense of wellness through their social connectedness. In his book, Prime Time, Marc Freedman talks in-depth about the role of seniors as a resource for expertise and volunteerism in our communities. This slide shows that nearly half of all Americans age 55 and over volunteered at least once in the past year. Even among those age 75 and older, 43 percent had volunteered at some point in the previous year. Older volunteers devoted the most time to community activities--almost double the national median for all ages. Compared with the U.S. median commitment of 52 volunteer hours annually, those 65 and over contributed 96 hours. (U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Volunteering in the United States," December 2002). Almost 75% of Americans 55+ volunteered in their communities in 2004 (CBO study)I’m now going to talk about social engagement. Dr. William Thomas argues in his recent book titled, “What are Old People For?” (VanderWyk & Burnham, 2004) that the process of growing into old age is a time of transition from a “have to do” to “want to do” focus in life. That is a change from doing, out of work and family obligation, to being and reaching out for something new and different. In this transition, as many older adults leave the work environment, or are freed up from household or caregiving tasks, they seek avenues to contribute back to society or to contribute at a higher level than they had in earlier years. Civic engagement is a form of “wanting to do” and it reflects the social engagement component of healthy aging. We know that many older adults define their sense of wellness through their social connectedness. In his book, Prime Time, Marc Freedman talks in-depth about the role of seniors as a resource for expertise and volunteerism in our communities. This slide shows that nearly half of all Americans age 55 and over volunteered at least once in the past year. Even among those age 75 and older, 43 percent had volunteered at some point in the previous year. Older volunteers devoted the most time to community activities--almost double the national median for all ages. Compared with the U.S. median commitment of 52 volunteer hours annually, those 65 and over contributed 96 hours. (U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Volunteering in the United States," December 2002). Almost 75% of Americans 55+ volunteered in their communities in 2004 (CBO study)

    36. What the Demographic Data Tell Us The population is aging and the older adult population is the fastest growing sector Older adults becoming more racially and ethnically diverse. In summary, the data I’ve presented tells us that…In summary, the data I’ve presented tells us that…

    37. What the Demographic Data Tell Us Additional sources of diversity such as education, health, and family status suggest a highly variable constituency for libraries and for civic engagement initiatives The majority of older adults report good health and many are able to work and contribute to family and society

    38. Acknowledgments Danielle Borasky, Associate Director for Library and Information Services, UNC Institute on Aging, and the “Digital Carousel” on the IOA website Mary Altpeter, Associate Director for Program Development, UNC Institute on Aging

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