An Aging Nation

Someone finally realized that 65 is the new 40. 

Although Americans are aging rapidly, a new report from the U.S. Census Bureau reports that today's older Americans are markedly different from previous generations.  They are more prosperous, better educated and healthier, and those differences will accelerate.

The number of adults 65+ will increase from 12 percent of the population or 35.9 million in 2003 to 72 million or 20 percent of the population in 2030. 

Not surprisingly, education is a particularly powerful factor in life and health expectancy.  One caution:  College education attainment is leveling off.  However, immigrants are still undereducated and have room to make significant education gains.

One other caution:  Some experts warn of one trend that could trump the "aging well" phenomenon.  That one trend?  Obesity.

One more reason urban leaders need to build walkable, bikable communities served by transit.

  

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