It’s Independence Day, so I wanted to post a few tweets about something that gets relatively little attention: independence for the elderly.
The demographic trends are pretty clear. About 10,000 Americans per day are turning 65.
By 2030, there will be more older people than children here — the first time in U.S. history, the Census projected. census.gov/newsroom/press…
By 2030, there will be more older people than children here — the first time in U.S. history, the Census projected. census.gov/newsroom/press…
But it’s less clear how we’ll take care of all those aging Americans. Who will support them? Where will they stay?
And how do we preserve their independence? (Ensuring the elderly can function on their own, as much as possible, is connected to good mental and physical health.)
And how do we preserve their independence? (Ensuring the elderly can function on their own, as much as possible, is connected to good mental and physical health.)
One challenge: Well-meaning adult kids have to balance giving support with giving space.
This WSJ piece is on the regrets of “helicopter children” who wish they’d treated their aging parents differently. online.wsj.com/public/resourc… by @clare_ansberry
This WSJ piece is on the regrets of “helicopter children” who wish they’d treated their aging parents differently. online.wsj.com/public/resourc… by @clare_ansberry
Technology is helping here. For instance, more than half of adults 65-plus say they’ve either limited or ended their driving because of health/physical challenges.
But ridesharing apps are coming to the rescue, as @TSnyderDC writes. politico.com/agenda/story/2…
But ridesharing apps are coming to the rescue, as @TSnyderDC writes. politico.com/agenda/story/2…
Meanwhile, there are entire government teams — like @ACLgov — dedicated to these challenges.
And as CMS administrator, @aslavitt repeatedly singled out PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) as one of his favorites, like in this 2016 speech. web.archive.org/web/2016040605…
And as CMS administrator, @aslavitt repeatedly singled out PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) as one of his favorites, like in this 2016 speech. web.archive.org/web/2016040605…
And for-profit companies increasingly want to serve aging Americans — a mixed blessing, @SarahVarney4 wrote. nytimes.com/2016/08/21/bus…
The infusion of $$ could boost services… but historically, the elderly have suffered as firms try to make a buck.
The infusion of $$ could boost services… but historically, the elderly have suffered as firms try to make a buck.
In short — helping protect and support the elderly is a big challenge. And one that will only get bigger as the nation ages.
Happy Independence Day — in all the meanings of the word.
Happy Independence Day — in all the meanings of the word.
