In “Facts and Fictions About an Aging America” (Contexts, Fall 2009), our research group unpacked a series of widely held, inter–related misconceptions about our aging population and outlined the broad societal implications of the realities. With the realities articulated and myths exposed, we can start to explore how policy–makers can effectively invest across the life course to create a successful aging society. We call for a new approach to aging–one that involves not only newpolicies, but also newways to think about aging in America. Both our reframing and subsequent policy proposals will increase the likelihood that the United States, as it ages, will become amore productive and equitable society.
References
1.
BarronJeremy S.TanErwin J.YuQiluSongMeilinMcGillSylviaFriedLinda P.“Potential for Intensive Volunteering to Promote the Health of Older Adults in Fair Health,”Journal of Urban Health (2009), 86(4) 641–653 An ongoing study to improve opportunities for older Americans to volunteer, especially in intergenerational settings.
2.
BerkmanLisa F.GlymourM. Maria“How Society Shapes Aging: The entrality of Variability,”Daedalus (2006), Winter: 105-114 Discusses how social and economic policies change how people and societies change.
3.
DufloEsther“Grandmothers and Granddaughters: Old Age Pension and Intra-household Allocation in South Africa,” National Bureau of Economic Research working paper 8061 An analysis of family effects of pension reform in South Africa.
4.
The Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group“The Influence of Age on the Effects of Lifestyle Modification and Metformin in the Prevention of Diabetes,”Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences (2006), 61A(10): 1075–1081 Reports findings from a randomized clinical trial to prevent diabetes across age groups.
5.
MantonKennethOrderLarryStallardEric“ hronic Disability Trends in Elderly United States Populations, 1982–1994,”Proceedings of the National Academy of Science (1997), 94: 2593–2598. Documents disability prevalence among older Americans and the financial and policy consequences of these shifts.
6.
UhlenbergPeter“Children in an Aging Society,”Journal of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences (2009), 64B(4): 489–496 Explores the impacts of an aging society on children and opportunities for intergenerational exchange and support.
