This and posts to follow are from Ellen Cole’s presentation to the Albany Guardian Society. Author of several books, Ellen presents her 8-year research project on Positive Aging for women (which is relevant and interesting for men, too). She shares what a cross-section of diverse women have to say about their lives, the challenges and joys, and what we can learn about thriving in our 8th decade and beyond.
We hope you find this information interesting and useful, and will let us know what you think about it.
Definition of Positive Aging:
“The mission of positive aging is to add more life to our years, not more years to our lives.” – (George Vaillant)
And why the heck is this work important?
Here’s why: Increased life expectancy is one of the most significant success stories, and one of the most significant challenges, of our time.
The number of U.S. baby boomers is estimated currently to be 78.2 million.
This year, 2019, we’ll see 7, 918 baby boomers turn 73 each day, 330 each hour.
By 2050, 1 in 5 Americans will be “seniors,” over age 65, and four in ten girls born today are expected to live to be 100.
Stanford longevity researcher Laura Carstensen calls this a “longevity revolution—the social and biological revolution of our time.” At a recent conference I attended for mental health counselors, I heard it referred to as “The Silver Tsunami.”
(More to come in Comments below and as Posts to follow)
Stay tuned!
Loved your article on positive aging. I’m 72 and I’m getting very tired of hearing on the news that some “ELDERLY person (age 72)” –had something happen to them. I feel bad for this individual but he/she is NOT ELDERLY at 72. Oh yes, I do see people my age who are falling apart and haven’t taken care of themselves. But for those of us who are trying to stay in shape and eat well–Senior Citizen is a preferred label for me and those of my age group. Or NO label at all. We are still human beings on this planet. I will enjoy hearing more of your research.
When I retired at almost 70 I was lost. The first positive action I took was to subscribe to your blog and purchased your book. I wanted to know how to make me feel normal again. I have been retired 2 years and have been the happiest I have ever been in a long, long while. The many people in your book gave me the direction I needed. I look forward to receiving your email, it is like getting a birthday card every month. I took ownership of my retirement and fill the days with new friends, hobbies, interests that I now have time to do, and my schedule is of my makings. I can not tell you enough how you have and continue to be a blessing to me.
Jeanne,
It warms our hearts to read your message, This is why we keep 70candles.com going.
So glad to hear your retirement chapter has been fruitful and rewarding for you.
You surely serve as an inspiration for others. That’s our hope….that you and others who feel as you do will pass the message and the positive vibes forward.
Best,
Jane and Ellen
Amazing statistics! Thank you for the George Vaillant quote as well!