The second half of life is a turning point—a time in which personal, social, and cultural goals are quite different from those of the first half of life. Creating a new self-image, adjusting to physical and mental changes of aging, adapting to a simpler lifestyle, and seeking quality of life become important objectives that can be realized through the dynamic, integrative process of spirituality (O’Brien, 2014).
A little more than 100 years ago, these goals were only dreams, since most human beings did not live long enough for issues related to the “second half” of life to be important.
The older population—persons 65 years or older—numbered 46.2 million in 2014 (the latest year for which data are available). They represented 14.5% of the U.S. population, about one in every seven Americans. By 2060, there will be about 98 million older persons, more than twice their number in 2014. People 65+ represented 14.5% of the population in the year 2014 but are expected to grow to be 21.7% of the population by 2040 (Administration on Aging, 2017).
In 2014, 3.4 million persons celebrated their 65th birthday. Census estimates showed an annual net increase between 2013 and 2014 of 1.5 million in the number of persons age 65 and over.
Between 1980 and 2014, the centenarian population experienced a larger percentage increase than did the total population. There were 72,197 persons aged 100 or more in 2014 (0.2% of the total 65+ population). This is more than double the 1980 figure of 32,194 (Administration on Aging, 2017).
Interestingly, though, what contributes to a long lifespan is still controversial. Some say that genetic causes account for only a small portion of the lifespan before the age of 60 years and that psychological, social, and behavioral factors could play a role (Koenig, 2008).
People struggle with questions like, “Is it ethical to remove elders from their homes when they are no longer able to care for themselves?” or “Does a 95-year-old deserve the same medical interventions as a 45-year-old with a similar condition?” As life expectancy increases, there is a great deal of interest in what it means to live longer and to age well and to age with grace.
Everyone ages, and nearly everyone has older siblings, friends, and parents, causing these issues to take on personal importance. Research has produced a greater understanding of the physical, emotional, economic, spiritual, and social aspects of this phase of life.
For many, however, the concept of aging remains ambiguous. Is it an ascent or a decline? Despite the varied opinions about aging, one question remains: How can people continue to live longer and enjoy a life filled with meaning and joy?