Monday, November 5, 2012

An Aging Population: Problem or Opportunity?

An Aging Population:  Problem or Opportunity?

Bill Novelli, writing in the Huffington Post on September 28, 2012, said that ctizens need to re-evaluate aging and find ways to use use the experience and knowledge of older people to "re-think" aging to use elders' experience and talents to create "age-friendly" societies.  He points out that over 900 million people in the world today are over the age of 60 years.

Novelli thinks that citizens everywhere should focus their efforts on issues facing older people: health, financial security, the ability to participate and be productive in one's community,  to connect with one's community and to have a chance for fun and recreation.

Novelli points to governments, NGOS and the private sector to finance and give incentives for seniors to participate more effectively in their communities. 

Do you think Novelli's recommendations could be adopted in your  community?  Do you think his ideas make sense?  Or are they just a pipe dream?  Does your local or state government help you participate more effectively in your community?  What would it take to encourage them to do so?

Is Novelli out of touch with what the powerful in a community are willing to "do" for elders?  Is such a plan likely to "fly" in your community or in your country? 

What is your assessment?  Please send your comments.

Susanne Paul for Global Action on Aging

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