Aging in America, Part 1: Planning for Late Adulthood
Young adulthood is comprised of people 19-40 years of age, middle adulthood is 40-65 years of age, and late adulthood, or mature adults, are 65+ years of age. According to 2022 statistics, those sixty-five and older are the fastest-growing age group (17.3%) in America, comprising 57.8 million people, which is a 34% increase since 2012. The population under sixty-five increased by only 2% in the same period. This increase is attributed mainly to the baby boomer generation (born between 1946 and 1964), who began turning sixty-five in 2011. America is aging. Aging is a part of God’s plan. As stated in Scripture, “People are like grass; their beauty is like a flower in the field. The grass withers and the flower fades.” 1 Peter 1:24 (NLT) As we age, changes occur physically, emotionally/socially, and cognitively, and while some aspects cannot be controlled, many may be made easier or eliminated by being proactive. Aging is a unique process, and various factors contribute to aging, including genetics, lifestyle, stress, and attitude. Many people do not give thought to aging when they are in their twenties, thirties, or even forties. Often, we wait until these changes begin before we consider developing healthy habits. Adjusting our lifestyle is an individual’s responsibility – no one can do it for us. Understanding and recognizing the changes associated with aging can help you prepare to reduce your risk of disease and disability by developing healthy habits today. Areas to develop healthy habits earlier in life include physical, emotional/social, and cognitive. First, you must understand the changes that occur in each of these areas as you age. Physical The brain shrinks Slower motor behavior which begins in middle adulthood, ages 40-60. Includes decreased muscle strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance. Poor sleeping, which contributes to falls and lower cognitive [...]