Gerontology of Global Aging: How Burden is Viewed from the Political Perspective of Aging?

As people around the globe age, there are many factors to consider. From a practical perspective, since people are living longer their careers are extended or second ones can be embarked on. Retiring older is a reality, however if financially sound many may decide to go the leisure route and travel. With the stresses of child-rearing and daily family commitments limited or behind them this community of global aging individuals has time to explore other life options. Many consider Agers a powerful constituency and a significant voice in the twenty-first-century political landscape. Agers are involved socially and politically. They have the resources financially and they have the time, which is equally important. In addition to AARP, other senior advocacy organizations are forming to protect and support social issues that are important to this growing strategic voice.

For most people, longevity could equate to more time spent working. Careers are lengthier and the possibility of the retirement age being extended is valid. Many companies do not have age limits and working beyond sixty-five is a fixture in America’s workplaces. Competitions for jobs are fiercer as mid-life re-trainees beginning new careers may vie with younger workers for limited entry-level positions, such as workplace mobility. Corporations and universities could become dominated by a few individuals if executives, managers, and tenured professors refuse to give up their posts. Without a constant infusion of youthful talent and ideas, these institutions could stagnate.

Employers are faced with the unique challenge of adjusting business models to accommodate an older workforce. By the year 2015 workers over 55 will make up one in every 5 employees. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau 40.5% of employees are over 55. This impacts several employment policies: human resources, healthcare, and retirement benefits (Tishman, 2012). The costs to adjust these policies are significant, especially for smaller businesses. However there is an upside to retaining older workers, they tend to enjoy their jobs, and are more loyal to their employers. Also, they take less time off from work than their younger counterparts.

In addition to the workplace responding to Agers with various adjustments, so are today’s politicians. Schulz and Binstock (2006) concluded in their article that voters age 65 and over were not candidates for block voting on social security and senior issues (Schulz, 2006). Even though they agreed that seniors historically have a high turnout rate in elections. Moreover, while other age groups have been slowing down in their participation at the poles, Agers's voting participation is steadily inclining.

In a later study surveying the 2010 election and Agers’ voting statistics, revealed that seniors did vote in concert when the threat of Medicare and Social Security became an issue (Binstock, 2011). Historically seniors voted as most did even though Medicare and Social Security have been part of America’s landscape for over four decades. When threats of change to economic benefits, which many seniors depend on and feel a sense of entitlement to, were made a social call to arms was enacted and the troops went to the polls in droves to make their voices heard. Binstock (2011) stated that this was “the first time in 4 decades, there were signs of an old-age voting bloc in the 2010 election;” (p. 408). Political strategists are paying full attention to future elections, understanding the power of the Agers group.

Not only are Agers concerned with Medicare and Social Security, but other programs are at the forefront of their interest as well. As people age their recreational and support resources become even more important to them. Senior care centers provide support in this area. These centers not only provide recreation but opportunities for social integration, access to health care and other social services. There are over eleven-thousand agencies facilitating the support of over four million Agers on an annual basis (Pardasani, 2012). These types of agencies are very instrumental in supporting lifestyle options for senior citizens. These senior centers are primarily funded by government agencies. So here again seniors will need to make their voices heard in the support of continued government funding and policy decisions.

While not a direct political strategy, the physical and emotional health of Agers is of great concern. Poor health impacts everyone. Even in the workplace, as more people are working longer, insurance costs will increase. Older adults tend to have more health issues and are more likely to become disabled (Tishman, 2012). Therefore emphasis has been placed most recently on advocating for a healthier aging population. The British Journal of Nursing promotes healthy aging. A broad definition of healthy aging is disease prevention through healthy lifestyle choices, increased social interaction and mental alertness and physical agility (Hughes, 2013). In the United Kingdom, care to speed recovery of those over sixty-five years or over has been in place for over fifty years. Practices such as shortening hospital stays and connecting with community support to facilitate at-home recovery have helped to reduce repeated hospital stays. Healthy adults at any age are an asset.

Aging will occur for everyone if they keep living; it is an inevitability. Therefore choices made socially or politically will eventually affect everyone. The fact that people are living longer has implications across the globe. Whether or not agers become a burden is how this community is viewed and supported. Agers have more disposable income therefore they contribute significantly to the global economy. The position to take is how to best to use critical information and statistics to make informed changes that will enhance all involved.

References

Binstock, R. H. (2011). Older voters and the 2010 U.S. election: Implications for 2012 and beyond? The Gerontologist, 52(3), 408-417.

Hughes, L. &. (2013). Encouraging healthy aging: a vital element of NHS reform. British Journal Of Nursing, 22(3), 174-177.

Pardasani, M. &. (2012). Senior Centers and Policy Advocacy: Changing Public Perceptions. Educational Gerontology, 38, 375-390.

Schulz, J. H. (2006). A Gerontocracy? The Politics of Aging. Retrieved from LeadingAge California: http://www.aging.org/i4a/pages/Index.cfm?pageID=2084

Tishman, F. V. (2012). Employer strategies for responding to an aging workforce. New Brunswick: NTAR Leadership Center.