Senior Living

Welcome to Senior Living, a topic that is important to all of us regardless of age. Seniors (we will let you define the age to which that refers), caregivers of seniors (both professionals and family members), and those of us who are not yet seniors can all benefit from information that will help us to remain healthy and vital as we age. Here are some statistics about seniors in the United States:

• In 2006, there were 37.3 million seniors comprising 12.4% of the population
• In 2030, we project 71.5 million seniors comprising 20% of the population
• Seniors 80 years and older are the fastest growing segment of our population (4.3%)
• Nearly half of women age 75 or older live alone
• 65,000 centenarians (100 years and older) live in the US today – that number is expected to jump to 381,000 by 2030.
• Currently, 25% of TN citizens are 55 or older (above average for the US)

The senior population in Tennessee will grow tremendously over the next twenty years, based on population numbers from the 2000 Census:

Population by Age in Tennessee (Year 2000)

Though we may complain about growing older, most everyone would prefer that to the alternative. Growing older is not a sentence to ill health and mental decline. By making wise choices today, many of us can expect to live healthy, productive lives well into our 80s and 90s, and many will pass the century mark. To be sure, there are challenges that come with aging bodies and minds, but much can be done to keep our minds and bodies active and healthy. Successful aging comes with planning ahead and carrying out the plan.

Research is showing that our brains continue to develop in response to experiences and learning, throughout life. The advantage that the mature brain has over younger brains is that it becomes more balanced with age—older people tend to use both sides of their brains to solve problems, which allows them to find answers in much more creative ways than they might have in their youth. Additionally, older people have had many more experiences than young people, and this gives them a great store of information to draw on when needed.

One way to stay vital is to volunteer. UT Extension welcomes volunteers to help with many of our programs. Contact your UT Extension office to find out how you can volunteer to help with 4-H or Family and Community Education (FCE) Clubs. You can also assist with many programs being offered in your community.

Contact your UT Extension Office to learn about programs and resources in Family Economics, Health and Safety, Human Development, and Nutrition and Food Safety for seniors and those who care for them. Also, learn about things you can do before you reach senior status to increase your chances of living a long and healthy life. The websites listed on this page contain resources and information that is helpful to seniors, caregivers, and those making plans for their senior years.

Helpful websites for seniors, caregivers, and future seniors

• American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) - www.aarp.org - AARP is an organization of members age 50 and older that addresses the interests and issues of older people. There is a wealth of information on their website.

• American Association of Geriatric Psychiatry (AAGP) - www.aagpgpa.org - This national professional society is dedicated to improving the mental health and well-being of older people. Informational materials are available for both professionals and the public.

• American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR) - www.afar.org - This organization fosters research on the fundamental processes of aging with the goal of extending healthy life and finding cures for diseases that accompany advanced age. Free information is available.

• American Geriatrics Society - www.americangeriatrics.org - This organization, dedicated to the health and well-being of older people includes information for both professionals and public.

• Elderhostel - www.elderhostel.org - Elderhostel is a nonprofit organization providing educational outings all over the world for adults age 55 and over.

• Administration on Aging - www.aoa.gov - The Administration on Aging has fact sheets, issue briefs, and snapshots- information pieces to help prepare everyone for the longevity revolution.

• GENCO International, Inc. - www.genco-games.com - GENCO is Gene Cohen's creativity company. It focuses on the development of intergenerational, educational, artistic board games that provide mental exercises for aging. Games can be ordered from this website.

• Generations United - www.gu.org - This website provides information on intergenerational coalitions, programs, and resources.

• Global Action on Aging (GAA) - www.globalaging.org/index.htm - This nonprofit organization has special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council. Materials are available at the website in all six UN official languages.

• International Longevity Center (ILC) - www.ilcusa.org - This organization is dedicated to the study of longevity internationally and includes information about how to improve length and quality of life as informed by international research.

• International Psychogeriatric Association (IPA) - www.ipa-online.org - This website provides materials for professionals and the public on improving the mental health and well-being of older persons.

• National Center for Creative Aging (NCCA) - www.creativeaging.org - This center is dedicated to fostering an understanding of the relationship between creative expression and quality of life for older people.

• National Institute on Aging (NIA) - www.nia.nih.gov- The NIA is the federal research program most involved in supporting studies of aging. Much research and practical information is offered through their publications, especially their Age Pages.

• Senior Corps - www.seniorcorps.org - This organization helps Americans age 55 and older share their time and talents to help their communities. Programs include Foster Grandparent Program, RSVP (Retired Seniors Volunteer Program), and Senior Companion Program.

• SPRY Foundation - www.spry.org - The SPRY (Setting Priorities for Retirement Years) Foundation is an independent nonprofit research and education organization that helps people prepare for successful aging through planning and prevention in health and wellness, mental health, financial security, and life engagement.

Extension Web Sites

• Family Caregiving – Website from eXtension that provides information and resources for persons caring for senior family members and grandparents raising grandchildren as well as information about successful aging.

• Financial Caregiving - Website from University of California Cooperative Extension featuring a financial caregiving series of publications for individuals who are caring for their aging parents.

• Aging Studies Without Walls - Center on Aging Studies Without Walls from the University of Missouri, Kansas City and Missouri Cooperative Extension that includes information and resources related to successful aging.

• Aging - Texas AgriLife - Website on Aging from Texas AgriLife Extension Service; includes publications, links, and other helpful resources.

• Acknowledging Aging - Website from University of Arkansas Extension with fact sheets related to aging issues.

• Aging Issues - Seniors and Aging website from University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension featuring information and lesson plans on aging issues.