| A Changing World - Seniors in the GTA |
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| Written by Guest |
| Thursday, 11 February 2010 11:18 |
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Just because it hasn't caused total havoc yet, doesn't mean we shouldn't pay attention to the fact that the world's population is in the process of shifting dramatically. Currently (mid 2008) the population of people aged 65 and over, is 506,809,972. In the year 2025 that number will rise to 851,980,669 and by 2050 the number of people over the age of 65 is projected to be 1,579,169,391. (US Census Bureau) The world's senior population will more than triple over the next 42 years. An area of great appeal with this demographic group is their unique characteristics - spending habits, hobbies, the condition of their health, personal interests, activities, and their overall general mind frame about "getting old" - compared to those of their counterparts in the past. It is important to recognize the fact that our new generations of older adults and seniors refuse to let age be a barrier to their full participation - spanning every facet of life. Seniors today are healthier, more active, and are living longer than ever before. You've probably heard the phrase, "45 is the new 65" - and it's evident everywhere! Our seniors can barely even be referred to as seniors these days! Recently, there has been a new buzz word among the baby boomers (many of whom are considered seniors already and others who will reach the age of 65 soon), and that term is "zoomers". The term "zoomer" refers to a baby boomer with ZIP: an energetic, determined and active older adult ready and willing to do anything and everything. They refuse to be held back.
In light of this new quality among our older adults and seniors, you may have noticed that there are many product and service solutions to help seniors live at home longer and keep their independence which they value so much. Just to name a few, we now have caregivers (to help with daily chores); we have Meals on Wheels services so that elders do not need to travel far for food; transportation services to get them from one spot to another; assistive devices which help seniors to move around their houses and live comfortably into their later years; assisted living facilities which provide older adults with a community setting and assistance with activities of daily living but give them the maximum amount of independence possible. |
