In less than a decade, adults ages 65 and older will outnumber individuals under age 18 for the first time. The U.S. trend mirrors what is happening globally, with significant worldwide demographic shifts anticipated to be well in place in the coming years.
In response, the AARP Public Policy Institute published a comprehensive blueprint for the development of a robust national plan on aging that supports a system for aging in place.
The big picture: To date, many government policies and programs have not seized the opportunity to address the unique and intersecting needs of the aging population, says AARP.
- Failing to address them in the short term can lead to costly consequences in the long-term, making a national plan more crucial than ever.
The bottom line: At the heart of a national plan are clearly defined goals that enable all adults, including older adults, people with disabilities, and family caregivers, to maintain healthy, productive, engaged, and purposeful lives as they age.
