The number of Americans who are at least 65 years old is expected to balloon over the next couple of decades. The age boom is expected to magnify the challenges people face as they get older.
One of the big impacts will be in health care. Obesity rates among older people are expected to keep growing. Some experts believe it will increase the rates of chronic illness, disability and death.
More Americans will also live with Alzheimer’s disease as the population ages. One study predicts at least 30 million new cases by 2050.
The economy will also feel the impacts, according to some experts.
Researchers say updating the longterm care industry and utilizing more modern medicine will help ease the impact.
Experts are also focused on shifting the cultural view of aging to be more positive.
A caregiving shortage is expected to get worse as the population ages.
Money will pose issues as well. Almost one-quarter of older Americans don’t think their savings will last long enough.
The housing market will feel the impact, too.
Millions of homes will go on the market as older homeowners move into assisted living or pass away. Experts think that could help the existing supply crunch by freeing up homes for younger generations to buy.
