A Longer Life Span is in Our Future

by Ruby Hawk in Future, March 5, 2010

How long will our life span be in the future? Scientists say it will be at least a decade longer and maybe more. The goal is to keep seniors living a healthy lifestyle, remaining independent, and working as long as possible. Robert Butler, scientist, says "nonsense" to the dooms day prophesy that baby boomers will bankrupt the nation.

By 2050 scientists say our life span will be at least a decade longer. Robert Butler, scientist expert on aging, founded the International Longevity Center to maximize the benefits of aging two decades ago. He is now 82 and works 12 hours a day. Recently he traveled from Dubai to Davos, Switzerland, to conferences concerned with preparing for the older population.

Butler says “nonsense” to the doomsday prophesy that baby boomer will bankrupt the nation. Seniors are living independently and fewer are dying of lengthy debilitating illnesses. Seniors are healthier and happier than in the past. “We need to alter our thinking about old age.” Butler said. The Milbank Quarterly predicts an average life span of 86 years for a man and 93 for a woman, more than a decade longer than now. At this rate we will have a total of 108 million seniors by 2050.

We need an overhaul in the way we think about seniors. They will have to learn and earn longer.”I believe the word retirement in a decade will be a quaint word that people used to use.” said Larry Minnix, president of the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging. Colleges have already started courses to help those 50 and over to move into public service jobs. Housing for seniors have sprung up all over the country. Social security taxes are expected to rise from 7% to 12%. We’ve got a lot of work to do to get ready for the explosion

Number one priority will be keeping seniors in the work force. Today many retire when they are 62 with partial Social Security. Retirement in the future will possibly be at 70 or beyond. A recent study done by the University of Maryland suggests that seniors who continue working maintain all their abilities much better than those who retire early. Most Americans find their identity in their jobs. Their self esteem and social life suffer when they retire.

Arizona started a mature work force five years ago to help seniors find jobs. More than 40 companies have agreed to hire and train those over 50. We will need more public transportation to help seniors get around when they no longer drive and housing near job locations. The ultimate goal is to keep seniors living a healthy lifestyle, independent, and working as long as possible.

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