Hello, dear readers.
I am back after taking a brief sabbatical from my column, a first in 22 years. Several weeks ago, my column featured five areas that highlighted the subject of aging as reflected in digital and print media, podcasts, webinars, research reports and more.
Five Areas Highlighting the Pervasiveness and Relevance of Aging
Here are five more areas that indicate the pervasiveness and relevance of the subject. It’s a bird’s eye overview from just one person’s perspective and is not based on formal analytics.
Public Policy
- One example is the Congressional bill entitled Protecting Older Workers Against Age Discrimination Act (POWADA) of 2023. With bipartisan support, this bill is in response to a 2009 Supreme Court ruling that made it more difficult to prove claims of illegal biases under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.
- Since 2009, older workers must prove that age is the deciding factor in the employment decision, rather than just one of the factors. This is a higher burden of proof than needed for other types of job discrimination claims.
- This bill helps level the playing field for older workers and restores their ability to fight back against age discrimination in the workplace.
Older Consumers
- In 2022, the 65-and-older demographic accounted for 22% of spending in the U.S. economy. This is the highest market share since records began in 1972.
- This increase has been attributed to older consumers’ health, wealth and perhaps the psychological impact of the pandemic.
- At the same time, this demographic is considered an underserved market. Mature consumers often are ignored by brand marketing because they are seen as sensitive and reliant on brick-and-mortar stores for their purchases.
- Furthermore, older adults agree and feel they are being ignored because of age stereotypes.
Employment
- In 2023, roughly 11 million older adults were working, which is nearly quadruple in size since the mid-1980s according to a Pew study.
- The fastest-growing age group are workers age 75 and older.
- Although illegal, age discrimination continues in the workplace. AARP reports that 78% of older workers say they have seen or experienced age discrimination in the work environment.
Dementia
- Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia among older adults affecting nearly 7 million.
- Just over 10% of those age 65 and older have Alzheimer’s disease and almost two-thirds are women.
- According to the Alzheimer’s Association, “By 2050, the number is projected to grow to 12.7 million, barring the development of medical breakthroughs to prevent or cure the disease.”
Intergenerational Relationships
- Age segregation is a century-long trend in retirement communities, nursing homes, and classrooms with same-age children.
- Closer intergenerational relationships is one way to prevent and eradicate ageism.
Getting older presents challenges and extraordinary opportunities. We are slowly witnessing strategies to match lifespan with health span; for products, services, and living conditions to enhance independence, security, and dignity; and for public policies to guarantee older adults the same rights as any other age group. We are seeing research studies focusing on the prevention and hopefully a cure of Alzheimer’s disease and programs to enhance intergenerational connections.
We all are stakeholders. So let us all embrace aging by staying well, keeping informed, and staying connected to loved ones and our communities. And, of course, give back in some way. Know every act of kindness counts.
Helen Dennis is a nationally recognized leader on issues of aging and the new retirement with academic, corporate, and nonprofit experience. Contact Dennis with your questions and comments at Helendenn@gmail.com. Visit Helen at HelenMdennis.com and follow her on facebook.com/SuccessfulAgingCommunity
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
- Indicator: Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to non-communicable diseases, including dementia.
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SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for older adults.
- Indicator: Proportion of older adults (aged 55 and above) in employment.
- Indicator: Percentage of older workers who have experienced age discrimination in the workplace.
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SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age.
- Indicator: Percentage of older adults who feel ignored or stereotyped due to age.
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being. | Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to non-communicable diseases, including dementia. |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for older adults. | Proportion of older adults (aged 55 and above) in employment. |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for older adults. | Percentage of older workers who have experienced age discrimination in the workplace. |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age. | Percentage of older adults who feel ignored or stereotyped due to age. |
Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are:
- Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
- Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for older adults.
- Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to non-communicable diseases, including dementia (related to Target 3.4).
- Proportion of older adults (aged 55 and above) in employment (related to Target 8.5).
- Percentage of older workers who have experienced age discrimination in the workplace (related to Target 8.5).
- Percentage of older adults who feel ignored or stereotyped due to age (related to Target 10.2).
Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.
Fuente: marinij.com
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