“Prepare for the Future: Why Policy Changes Now Are Essential as 17% of the Global Population Will Be Over 65 by 2050” | The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA

Did you know? Many five-year-olds today might live to be 100 years old. It’s a wild thought! Imagine every kindergartner you see this year surviving into 2120. It sounds exciting but a little daunting, doesn’t it?

As our population ages, we face new challenges. We need to rethink how we accommodate older adults who will soon need affordable housing, accessible healthcare, and better public transportation. It’s not just a fleeting trend; it’s a profound shift in our society that is already underway.

Why is this happening? In short, we have three big reasons: high birth rates from the mid-20th century, medical breakthroughs, and a fresh perspective on aging that views it as a positive journey rather than just decline. Baby Boomers and Gen X are now reaching their golden years, which means our numbers of older adults are skyrocketing.

Let’s look at some numbers to understand this change better. In 2019, one in eleven people on Earth was over 65. By 2050, that number will almost double to one in six, according to the United Nations. The U.S. Census Bureau predicts that people aged 65 and older in the U.S. will jump from 49.2 million in 2016 to nearly 94.7 million by 2060. And can you believe that the number of centenarians—people over 100—is expected to quadruple in the next 30 years?

As this older population grows, we need to ask critical questions. How will we provide adequate housing? How can we ensure healthcare is affordable for those on fixed incomes? And how do we keep programs like Social Security healthy? It’s crucial that we begin discussions and find solutions now.

Older Americans are a powerful voting force. In the recent election, 74% of those aged 65 and older turned out to vote. They are the demographic that often wants real change, and their numbers are only going to increase. Politicians are starting to pay attention. For instance, President Biden took steps to reduce healthcare costs for seniors—this shows that their voice matters.

As we look ahead, one thing is clear: we need to prepare for this aging population. It’s not just about longer lifespans; it’s about building a society that values and supports older adults. Let’s keep the conversation going about how we can create a better future for everyone, young and old alike.

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