What are some of the implications of mass-aging?

Yesterday we posted about the differences between mere-aging and mass-aging. Following are some statistics that illustrate the implications associated with mass-aging. Tomorrow we will post some biblical propositions regarding aging. Stay tuned.

• By 2015, of those over 65, the largest population segment in the U. S. will be single women 85 years old or older.  For the next 10-15 years the church must be prepared to provide an increased ministry to widows of the Builder Generation.
• By 2030 there will be more people over 65 than under 18 in the U. S.  The 20th century was a century of youth.  The 21st century will be a century of age.  Every national election between now and 2030 will be dominated by concerns of older-adults.  Every state, county, municipality and all major corporations are engaged in extensive studies regarding the implications of mass-aging.  The church at the national, regional judicatory and congregation level must do the same.
• By 2030, 35% of all those over 65 will actually be over 85.  However, for every 100 individuals 60-64 there will be 80 people in their 90’s.  And we know that many of them will be in our congregations.  This is mass-aging and the implications for Christian ministry are staggering.
• 15% of seniors today have kids that are seniors… the oldest-old are being cared for by the young-old.  The young-old are different from the new-old.  The new-old are the baby boomers.  The young-old are those in their 70’s who are taking care of those in their 80’s and 90’s.  These 70-year old care-givers need help themselves.  In facing the challenges of senior ministry, the church must specifically target the needs of care-givers.  Aging doesn’t only affect the individual, aging affects the individual and their family and friends who are care-givers.
• Today’s adults in their 40’s and 50’s represent the first generation that will likely spend more years taking care of their parents than taking care of their children.
• According to the U. S. Census, 1/3 of all baby boomers will reach age 65 with a total net worth under $ 1,000.  Mass-aging in the 21st century brings with it a financial wake-up call and the potential for mass poverty.

These projections have been gleaned from various sources:  The U. S. Department of Aging, U. S. Census Bureau, AARP, and numerous books and studies on aging.