Here in the United States, the total numbers of senior citizens living throughout the country are very much on the rise. As a matter of fact, the data that has been gathered on the subject is more than in support of this claim. This data shows that, by the time that we reach the year of 2040, now just 20 years ahead of us, the number of people over the age of 85 in this one country alone will number more than 14 million. And more than 50,000 people throughout the United States have even reached – or surpassed – their 100th birthday, a truly impressive feat to just about anyone and everyone. Even more people will be under this age but still over the age of 65, meaning that the elderly population will have swelled tremendously by this point.
But being a senior citizen is not what it once was. Due to a long average lifespan and breakthroughs made in the medical field, many a senior citizen is living productively and independently for longer. After all, up to 90% of all elderly people are looking to stay in their home for as long as they are possibly able to do so. In addition to this, more and more people are looking to stay in the workforce for longer, with more than one fifth of people over the age of 55 looking to work past the age of normal retirement.
Even after retirement, many elderly people are looking to stay actively involved in the world around them. It is not uncommon to find elderly people very much involved with all kinds of charitable works. As a matter of fact, up to 55% of the elderly population engages in at least one charitable endeavor, if not even more than this. Working for charitable organizations can be mentally, emotionally, and physically fulfilling, sufficiently filling the gap that has been caused in one’s life by leaving the workforce.
Socialization has become easier for the population of senior citizens much as it has become easier for society as a whole. Dating apps have actually become more popular among elderly people in the United States than you might think. In fact, more than 10% of all seniors use them to some extent. After all, you’re never too old to find love! For many of these people, the chance to connect with others is something that helps them to find motivation and meaning in life as well.
Of course, it is not always possible for senior citizens to continue living in their homes. It is often just too much space for an elderly person to take care of, especially if they are living on their own with little to no help. But moving into a nursing home or assisted living facility is not automatically the next option. Instead, a senior living community presents a good alternative to the two. Senior living communities have grown quite popular throughout the United States, providing the option for independent living well into old age. Senior living communities provide independent housing, after all, though things like cleaning service and even laundry services are likely to be provided.
Senior living communities are also likely to provide a sense of community that might be missing when an elderly person is living totally independently. After all, old age can be isolating, especially in comparison to earlier years. But senior living communities can provide a contrast to this, with many senior living communities even organizing events and clubs to gather its residents together. And when you look into senior living communities, you’ll find that the typical senior housing community will be tailored to your needs. After all, the majority of all senior living communities are strictly for people who have reached and exceeded the age of 55. If you have not reached this age, you will not be allowed to buy property within one.
Ultimately, there are many things to consider when it comes to growing older. Fortunately, there are more options out there than one might think. At the end of the day, there are many things to keep in mind when planning out the next phase of your life and many ways to live.
