How do we define elders?
What demographic changes are associated with this group?
One of the most striking changes in the past few decades is a rapid rise in the percentage of older adults in the population. This is true for countries all over the globe, as the graph below demonstrates, although it is more pronounced in the developed world.
Why is this occurring?
Primarily for two reasons:
As a result, the percentage of the total population has increased and will continue to increase, well into the next century. The trend will peak after the year 2010, as the baby boom generation ages, and will taper off around 2040, by which time most of the "boomers" will have died.
There are clear gender differences in the older population, which are also expected to persist. For example, in Canada, as in many developed countries, senior women live longer than senior men. Because of this, many women outlive their husbands. That means elderly men are much more likely to be married than elderly women are.
How will these demographic changes impact on society?
We can expect that a society where a huge proportion of the population is over 65 will function quite differently than societies where there are fewer elderly. Just think about how the baby boom generation influenced social trends during the 1960’s, primarily because of sheer numbers. This new demographic change will likely have a strong impact as well. For example, we can forsee a heavy demand on pension plans and the health care system. Advertising will emphasize goods and services for an ageing market. Music and fashion will be aimed at older tastes as well.
Relationships too, will change. For example, in 1800, by the time a woman was 37, she could expect both her parents to be dead. Today, about half of all 60 year old women have living mothers. In the future, as this trend persists, more and more of the middle-aged will have elderly parents, many of whom will need care and support.
