The U.S. Census Bureau came out with a demographic statistic that surprised me. In an article titled The Graying of America, it stated that by 2034 (just 10 years from now), the number of those 65 and older will outnumber those under the age of 18. Currently, the middle-aged outnumber children.
This projection is on track to match where other nations already find themselves. “Japan has the world’s oldest population, where more than one in four people are at least 65 years old. Already, its population has started to decline and, by 2050, it is projected to shrink by 20 million people.
“Europe is headed down the same demographic path. Some countries in Western Europe have populations that are older than the U.S., notably Germany, Italy, France and Spain. Countries in Eastern Europe are even further along and, within a few years, many of their populations are projected to begin shrinking.”1
Two factors contribute to this trend. First, younger couples are foregoing having families for a variety of reasons. Second, healthcare for the elderly is helping to prolong their lives. As they age, their number of problems is growing.
Andrew Parker, writing for The Wealthy Boomer,2 details 25 issues providing a challenge to our graying population. Some of those would naturally be expected: chronic health conditions, physical changes, loss of mobility, memory issues, and affording medications. However, there are certainly positives for those who are aging. And the list of positives is growing.
Take, for instance, the rapid growth of technology and its saturation in society. Amazingly, 96% “said they would describe themselves as at least somewhat tech-savvy.”3 When surveyed about smartphones, “81% of those 60 to 69 have them, as well as 62% of those 70 and older. And of the seniors who responded to Amica’s recent survey, half of them have downloaded social media apps in the past year—quite a testimony to how much they enjoy staying connected to loved ones online.”4
This aging population is gaming with the grandkids. They aren’t just playing Solitaire, either. Some are teaming up with the grandkids to play football or are Candy Crush-ing it. Xbox has crossed the generations, providing games that young and old alike are enjoying.
Our elderly generation also enjoys music, television, online shopping, social media, and a host of relationship building activities, whether at the gym or the senior center. This demographic is not to be ignored and they just might have a thing or two to teach before their days are ended.
If you are a part of the graying America, let me encourage you that there is something far more important that you can do than playing video games or brushing up on technology. Psalms 71:9, 18 says, “Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth… Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.”
Those with some years under their belt have something the younger don’t have: experience. Hopefully, that experience has translated into wisdom. If it has, then you have something to say. Lift up that voice and let it be heard.
Psalms 92:13-15 says, “Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. (14) They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; (15) To shew that the LORD is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.”
1https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2018/03/graying-america.html
2https://thewealthyboomers.com/hardest-parts-about-getting-older-that-no-one-ever-talks-about/
3https://www.seasons.com/seniors-and-technology-older-adults-are-more-savvy-than-you-think/
4Ibid.
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