Orland Evangelical Free Church | Turning Gray

I'm not a senior citizen. Why should I care about the graying of the Northstate?

Consider the following information provided by Wade Elliott and the Center for Economic Development.

In the past 30 years there has been a worldwide shift in the age of the population base. The Northstate is 12 years ahead of the U.S. trend. Six factors were cited as the cause:

1. Exportation of youth.

2. Graduates can't return home.

3. Aging-in-place

4. Increased life expectancy.

5. Smaller family size.

6. Importation of retirees.

Since 1970, the median age in the U.S. increased 7 years, from 28.1 to 36.8.

Life expectancy was 47 years in 1900. It increased to 75 in 1990 and the projection for 2050 is 90 years.

In just 14 years, 25% of all residents in the Northstate will be 60 years old or older. The oldest baby boomers are turning 60 this year.

In 1900 people lived an average of 7.2 years after retirement. Today the average is 18 years.

European countries can't fund their retirement systems because there aren't enough workers.

Everyone should care about the graying of the Northstate. Eventually it touches us all, either by caring for elderly parents or becoming seniors ourselves. Praise the Lord for places like WestHaven for making turning gray easier.