The American Age Wave is Making History

Ever since the Baby Boomer Generation hit the streets leading protests in the early 60s, they have made history. This 18-year age span of people born between 1946 and 1964 have now started turning the milestone age of 65.

What this means is staggering and is once again making history. Ten-thousand people will turn 65 every single day from now through the next 20 years. Every single day. By the year 2030, one of every five Americans will be 65 or older. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s national population projections released in 2009, the number of Americans 65 years old or older will grow from 40 million to 54.6 million by 2020—a 36 percent increase and the addition of 14.6 million seniors to the population.

The United States has never before experienced such an age wave of unprecedented proportion. A fundamental shift is now taking place in our country, from the way new products are designed, to how they are marketed, to how our communities are built, how government will provide services, and what it means for the workplace. It will change family dynamics in a way we haven’t seen since these very same baby boomers first burst onto the scene.

Most older Americans are optimistic about the future, according to a 2012 survey by the National Council on Aging. But many also admit they are going to need some help at home. Thirteen percent of all seniors 70 years and older find they need help to accomplish some of the tasks of daily living. One third of all seniors think they will need a caregiver in the future. In Southern California, two-thirds of caregivers live with the senior being cared for, which is 10 percent above the national average.

This means more of the children and younger relatives of the Baby Boomer generation will find themselves becoming family caregivers. Caring for an older relative is the reality for 43.5 million Americans, according to the Family Caregiver Alliance.

With people living longer than ever, this is the first generation that might care for its parents as long as it cared for its children according to organizations like AARP. AARP calls this “the new normal” of family caregiving.

About InTouch at Home

InTouch at Home is a Senior Resource Group (SRG), LLC company .  Serving the needs of seniors and their families for more than 20 years, SRG delivers on the promise of exceptional service and quality care each and every day through its 18 communities including La Vida Real in Rancho San Diego and La Vida Del Mar. Now through InTouch at Home, this same outstanding care and service is available to you in your home, wherever it may be. For more information, call 858-522-9942 or visit www.InTouch-at-Home.com.