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"In
the United States, 20% of all Americans, or about 70 million people, will
have passed their 65th birthday by 2030. The demographic tidal wave is
coming. Aging in the 21st century, however, is more than just a matter
of numbers. The average 75 year old has three chronic conditions and uses
five prescription drugs. Consequently, it is not enough to be aware of
the demographic imperative; we must also be prepared for it."
Patricia P. Barry, MD, MPH, Executive Director, Merck Institute
of Aging & Health
Today's seniors are living longer and staying active longer than ever
before. The average life span of an American born today is 77.2 years.
It has stretched by about three months every year since the mid-19th century.
If life expectency continues at this pace, the average American could
expect to live more than 100 years by the end of this century. And that
doesn't take into account revolutionary advances in health and medicine,
which could very well boost the average life span to 110 or 120. In this
generation, the definition of a "senior citizen" is changing
before our very eyes.
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