Feeling Old? Consider This (7/20/09)

The world’s population of 100-year-olds is predicted to grow to nearly 6 million by mid-century.

The AP reports that the world’s population of 100-year-olds is predicted to grow to nearly 6 million by mid-century. That means that the median age in many developed countries will edge toward 50, and the definition of “old” or “middle aged” will change accordingly.

 

In 1950, it was estimated that the number of centenarians already was a few thousand in 1950; now, that number has risen to more than 340,000 worldwide, with the highest concentrations in the U.S. and Japan, according to the latest Census Bureau figures. Their numbers are projected to grow at more than 20 times the rates of the total population by 2050, making them the fastest growing age segment.

 

Better health care, healthier lifestyles and genetics all play a part toward longer life.

 

So what might this mean for manufacturing? With more healthy, older adults in the work force, the already scarce job market could be that much more tight. What’s more, the number of young people entering the work force will be smaller, as the median U.S. age creeps higher -- from 33 to 39.

 

My advice is to stay healthy – not only for your own sake, but to keep your job as well!