Its time to start rethinking the “Obsolescence of Value” because of Age!
Statistically speaking, it is amazing how many are aging on this planet – right now! In many countries on our planet, almost one third of the population is over the age of 50.
Take the United Kingdom for example: in a report called Later Life in the United Kingdom (released August, 2013), the one third percentage holds true. There are more people aged 60 and above than there are under the age of 18.
55% of those surveyed considered themselves in the getting old category. They believe age discrimination exists, and that as you age, you are treated more as a child and they feel the country fails to make good use of the skills and talents of older people. In many countries this is a universal truth.
Let’s look at another country. According to the United States Census Bureau’s
World and USA population clock there are roughly 316,500,000 citizens in this country (right now). And the largest age group in that number are those that are 50 and older! More than 100 million! Do the math!
In the two largest countries on the planet, China and India the aging populations are (the research was a little more complicated) in China, there are roughly 194 million people over the age of 60. This number is predicted to increase to 440 million by 2050. India, according to the India Demographics Profile, has approximately 150 million over the age of 50.
In Russian, Europe, Japan, Australia and South America we find the same number of increased aging statistics. We are living longer, everywhere. But we haven’t changed our mindset on how we view older humans. It’s long past time to do so.
The aging human being brings a wealth of experience and potential wisdom to the mix. Many who are retiring are still active and I believe with the right incentives would continue to play a role and involvement in the workforce, their local community and country. In turn giving them a purpose that would strengthen their own resolve to stay healthier.
Remember, these numbers aren’t going away, in fact they are increasing daily. This substantial group of people could make a positive difference in the 
economic climate we currently find ourselves.
What can we do?
Let’s start with how you view yourself or an aging relative or friend. Mindset is everything! Getting old seems to imply being sickly, incompetent and needy. Certainly that is true for some, but not the many … Not yet anyway!
The dynamic potential that would happen by encouraging a re-emergence from the talent, knowledge, and experience of the “aging population” is unimaginable and (which btw is responsible for many of the technological creations and advancements being used today by us all) … so very doable and possible!
Think about it!
~ Penny
The Why About This 
Well,, it’s nice to know that I’m not the only one getting old. 😀
There’s a whole bunch of us out there!!!! 🙂
well, if I’m going to hell in a hand basket, at least it’ll be a cozy one, then. 😀
🙂
This made me think of the people that I have lost in life. Some lived to be over 90 – One of them all there & healthy till almost the very end. Others didn’t live past their 25th birthday. I live for each year & am ready for whatever comes my way for not everyone gets to see a wrinkle or a grey.
Hoping to see an old me in the mirror some day…
xx 🙂 🙂 xx
I’m pretty sure you will RoSy, you have exactly the right attitude that makes the body wanta’ hang around! 🙂 – your so poetic here! 🙂 xo
My Japanese language instructor is 78 and he says he is financially independent. He is still active and bustling around, teaching the language to foriegn students. It is probably the mental strength that gets one going.
Wow that is so excellent Nightlake. Good for him!
I’ll be joining the 50 and over crowd in less than 3 months. I vowed a long time ago never to get “old.” Age, yes, but not get old!
hear, hear…ing is a little harder..haha. At a brand new 48, I say: let’s take this world by storm! I have not yet begun to tap my potential, and am looking forward to growing, becoming and learning every bit as much as a kindergartner.
We are the new face of age–and it is pretty!! And hardworking, and caring…all these important things. The pretty coming from the way of being, and not appearance.
Right with you Karen all the way here! Oh the things we shall do and the differences we shall make … and I did understand your reference re: pretty, so so agree with you my dear and talented friend! 🙂 xx
I can so relate a lot to this topic.
I look up to my grandpa who is wise and a true veteran of world war 2/Korean war. I learn a lot by him and the experiences that he went through are sad but interesting at the same time.
As I too, age I’m on 27. I tend to teach my little nephews about my experience and life and what they should learn from themselves as they get to their point in time. You’re right, in age we evolve, but our mindset on life and politics that’s something we still haven’t evolved from.
You bring up a lot of good points. 🙂
Thank you Charlie. You are correct. Family members are the corner stones and well being for any country. We learn from the elderly and share what we learn with the younger, as it should be. Family is the foundation for us to grow on! Thank you for sharing your very wise comments here, much appreciated! 🙂
You are welcome.:)
The obvious answer to easing the economic burden of pensions is by increasing the retirement age, but I don’t think that will really help. There is a shortage of work, we have a massive problem with youth unemployment. Less people in retirement means more people who are unemployed. At least older people usually have financial assets to see them through, young people have nothing but student debt.
All your points are true and well taken! I would agree if that was my thought process here, however my reference point was more out of the box.
There are many areas within the community (for example) where retired people can be of assistance through helpful endeavors (not taking jobs away from others) and in creating entrepreneurial type of businesses, potentially creating more jobs for those in need. The idea is to fill the gaps, not make larger ones.
And I agree with you, student debt is an unconscionable burden that should not exist! I do not see retired people as unemployed but under utilized, in terms of what they can give back, not take from an already overburdened society. Just my thoughts on this. Thank you misskzebra, for sharing your insightful comments!
100 years ago, we were lucky if we made it to 70. The preservatives we use in foods seem to preserve us as well. Although I would prefer the more natural side with less preservatives and mind altering junk.
And I’d definitely have to agree with you, Alastair!