Significance of Older People in our Economy

Adults age 55 and older constituted 31 percent of the voting-age population and 35 percent of those who voted in the 2004 presidential election, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.  Currently 43 million Americans receive social Security benefits.  There are 76-million baby boomers and the first of them are just turning 62 this year.  None of us are happy about this. AARP starts sending out solicitations to everyone at age 50.  I ignored the solicitations until I was 60.

A chart published by the U.S. Census Bureau < http://www.census.gov/population/pop-profile/dynamic/AgeSex.pdf> graphically shows the increased population by age of the baby boomers and that the numbers of people born after that generation have not declined substantially.  This is a situation that will benefit all older people. 

As the 50 and older age group grows into a large percentage of the population we have the power to influence our society and our government.  This can be accomplished in both locally and nationally.  When my wife and I vacationed in Vancouver British Columbia in 1999 we found that city to provide a variety of services for the elderly including a chirping bird sound at every corner with a traffic light (for those that cannot see clearly).  Another example of helping the elderly and disabled is Los Angeles modification of many corner curbs with ramps that help crossing streets.  Social Security and Medicare are two examples of national services. 

We have the power of the vote and pen to pressure government and society to do the right thing.  Active participation in the AARP < http://www.aarp.org/> and the Alliance for Retired Americans <http://www.retiredamericans.org/> is a good way to obtain the services and support that is needed.  Both of these organizations have similar goals and both are worthy of support.  The Alliance for Retired Americans is allied with the AFL-CIO and other unions.  Active participation in either or both of these organizations will impact the voting of our representatives and the outcome of the coming presidential election.