In case you want to celebrate, today is October 1 and has been declared the International Day of Older Persons. Let’s hear it for folks over 60!
Ageing is a privilege and a societal achievement. It is also a challenge, which will impact all aspects of 21st century society – from housing to marketing.
The aging society is a challenge that cannot be addressed by the public or private sectors in isolation: it requires joint approaches and strategies.
One thing for sure – aging is not for sissies! Consider the following facts:
Facts about aging
- In 2000, there were 600 million people aged 60 and over; there will be 1.2 billion by 2025 and 2 billion by 2050.
- Today, about two thirds of all older people are living in the developing world; by 2025, it will be 75%.
- In the developed world, the very old (age 80+) is the fastest growing population group.
- Women outlive men in virtually all societies; consequently in very old age, the ratio of women/men is 2:1.