Unemployed Seniors

The media reminds us that more and more seniors (those over 65) are still in the workplace. Why? They love to work; they can't afford to retire; their employer needs them; their debts were too burdensome and a few other reasons or excuses . . .

Let's go back. Early in the 20th century, we're told that nearly 80% over those over 65 had a job. Many would keep on working until they became too ill or fragile to keep going. And yes, many more seniors were on the farm in those days where they never thought of retiring.

In fact, back then retirement was barely a thought much less an accomplishment. This began to change with the introduction of Social Security and private pensions designed for seniors at or near 65 but few lived long enough to enjoy it. At the time, it was unthinkable that Social Security would be open to more than seniors or that longevity would keep creeping upward.   

Another sobering statistic hit the street announcing that unemployed workers under 55 averaged 39.4 weeks without a job while similar workers over 55 were unemployed for 53.6 weeks. Are seniors growing at alarming numbers? You decide.In the 2000 U.S. Census, 35.0 million people 65 years of age and over were counted in the United States. This represents a 12.0-percent increase since 1990, when 31.2 million older people were counted. 

But between 1990 and 2000, the population increased by 13.2% while those 85 and older showed the highest rate of increase. Read on. Between 2000 and 2007, life expectancy at birth increased 1.3 years for males and 1.1 years for females while the gap in life expectancy between males and females narrowed from 5.2 to 5.0 years.  

Will we live to see the gaps close or envision a society overrun by the elderly? Or overrun by people? Some pundits forsee Western Civilization actually reaching it's peak by mid-century ending the socalled population explosion of recent years.

The moral of the story? Who knows what fifty years will bring? Or a century? Another recent survey indicated that the primary concern regarding the survey was worry about affording health care. Another survey will reveal something else.

Meanwhile, let's enjoy the years allotted to us and let the statisticians do their thing. A well-balanced diet, wise choices in our behaviors, a stroll in the park and a good book will go a long way. Besides, we are allowed to make scientific guesses but the ultimate future is not ours to exploit. A sobering thought, isn't it?