MANHATTAN, Kan. – For the first time in the United States, there are more older adults than young children.
“The first of the Baby Boomers turned 65 in 2011,” said Kansas State University specialist in aging Erin Yelland. “So, the oldest of the Baby Boomers are just now turning 75, which means that this population is going to continue to rapidly grow.”
Older Americans – those age 65 and up – have topped 54 million, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, experiencing rapid growth over the past 10 years. The youngest age group – those age 5 and younger – has remained mostly flat in the U.S. and is estimated at just under 20 million.
Further, current projections from the U.S. Census Bureau indicate that America’s older population will surpass those 18 and younger (currently at about 73 million) by the year 2035.
It’s estimated that by 2050, 12.7 million Americans will suffer from Alzheimer’s dementia, Yelland said. More older adults will be living in long-term care facilities.
“We are also seeing that heart disease is the No. 1 killer among adults 65 and older, and that can be attributed to the 45% of adults who are obese, the 77% of older adults who have hypertension and the 5 million adults that live in poverty, which greatly affects our health.”
Yelland said aging well should be viewed as “a life span challenge.”
Yelland said K-State Research and Extension agents across Kansas are working to help older adults remain independent, exercise and maintain their living spaces in ways that help them remain healthy.
A couple key resources include:
- Simple Home Modification for Aging Place. This publication outlines free or low-cost changes to make the home a safer place to live. Some of the modifications include removing such trip hazards as rugs; installing grab bars and sturdy handrails; moving frequently used items to lower shelves in the kitchen; and arranging furniture strategically to reduce hazards.
- Keys to Embracing Aging. This program outlines 12 ways to healthy living, physical activity, healthy eating, brain health, staying social and taking care of finances, among other topics.
Yelland added that K-State’s Center on Aging offers graduate and undergraduate degrees in gerontology. Its graduate program is listed as one of the top 5 programs in the United States, she said.
“The need for gerontologists and professionals that understand aging has never been greater,” Yelland said. “So opening that opportunity for students to understand the importance of aging, and how to address aging issues in their own career, is incredibly important. And we are so excited to be able to offer that opportunity to students and professionals.”
“There’s not a whole lot of people that have the goal to live in long term care facilities,” Yelland said. “Most of us want to age in our home and live independently as long as possible. K-State Research and Extension is working to help older adults in that way.”