Aging Demographic cont.
to $1,260 billion by 2028⁶. Furthermore, it ’ s estimated that greater than 40% of the federal budget will go towards social programs for seniors by 2053⁷. However, as the population ages, there may also be changes in trends within the workforce. It ’ s estimated that future populations will be more educated and thus, will have a higher percentage of workers who will work longer and with increased productivity. Additionally, it ’ s likely that future older workers will be more active in the economy than current older workers⁸. Following the WHO guide for age - friendly cities, we can encourage active aging by making employment opportunities more accessible in urban areas via reliable, affordable public transportation. Cities should encourage businesses to hire older adults for flexible, part - time, or seasonal employment. Moreover, retirement should be a choice for adults, not mandatory¹.
affordable, appropriate, and safe housing with readily available modifications designed with the intention to integrate older people into the community and with proximity to essential services and facilities¹. One solution that some families have turned to are accessory dwelling units (ADUs). These are smaller living spaces that share property with a larger main house—usually 800 square feet or less. While ADUs are not cheap to build, costing low to middle six figures, this is a promising idea promoting intergenerational housing that will help nurture ties between older adults and younger families¹⁰. Combined with a wide range of accessible community events, activities, and volunteer opportunities, better housing for older adults will help the US adapt to a changing demographic and promote active aging and aging in place¹.
One last issue to consider is the physician workforce. Currently, it is projected that the demand for physicians will significantly increase more quickly than the supply, creating a physician shortage. In the US, it is projected that the number of physicians needed to fulfill demand will increase from 750,000 to 850,000 in 2030 with the number of physicians increasing from 700,000 to only 725,000¹¹. The shortage also varies depending on geographic region. The West will have the greatest shortage, followed by the South and the Midwest. The Northeast will be the only region with a surplus¹¹. Not only will there be a physician Cont. on p. 11
Another challenge that many experts have considered concerns caring for older adults -
specifically, who will be caring for them and where. Recently, an “ aging in place ” approach has become popular among older adults. This approach, driven by older adults ’ preference to remain in their homes as long as possible as well as concerns about the price of nursing homes and assisted living, aims to keep older adults in their living spaces and modify their surroundings as needed as they age. We can encourage aging in place by supporting policies that implement active aging into physical and social infrastructure⁹. WHO recommends a wide range of
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