Empowered Life
The older adults of today are choosing to age successfully and differently than those before them. According to Social Work Today, “ older adults are increasingly interested and involved in using technologies that allow them to stay more connected socially with family, and with caregiving resources.” Kaye Raiford, age 76 loves Facebook and frequents it daily to connect with grandchildren and friends. “Without the wonders of the internet I would not feel like my social life was complete.”
In addition to the changes that technology is bringing, older adults are traveling more than ever now. Research by Immersion Active shows that “adults over 50 now account for up to 80 percent of luxury travel spending in America at over $150 billion a year. On average, older adults will take 4 trips per year and rank travel as their number one leisure activity; boomer women spend nine out of every ten-vacation dollars.” The senior of today is not choosing to age in a quiet, low energy sort of way and many are looking for stimulating and exhilarating types of lives that are filled with wonder and adventure.
The general health and wellbeing of this older generation is amazing. They are living longer and are choosing to live in areas where health and vitality are valued. The 55+ market is more health conscious than other age groups and 82% of online boomers and seniors use the Internet to research health and wellness information. The health and wellness of mature consumers has far-reaching implications, from public policy and taxation to climbing insurance costs and the rise of new health care industries that cater to an older demographic. This profile highlights the stats and data of the health conscious boomer and the trend of health aging of older adults in the U.S.
All of this great interest in health, technology and lifestyle should lead to a more fulfilling life.
Psychologist Laura Carstensen, PhD, founding director of the Stanford Center on Longevity, shows research and discusses in a TED talk , as people get older they become happier, more content, and have a more positive outlook on the world. This is good news for all of us that seek a way to grow old successfully and find a joy filled home and life. We are living longer, better and we have more choices than those before us. Aging brings remarkable knowledge, expertise and wisdom and today’s older adults are empowered more than any other time in history.
Photo Courtsey of Ted.com
