Mature Life Features

. . . are indisputable proof

that man can concentrate

on two things at the same time.

Longevity Costs Money

Everyone wants to get to heaven but no one wants to die.

Old age has its problems, but the alternative is worse.

No one wants to live to be 101 more badly than the person who’s 100.

And the cliches go marching on.

Longevity on this earth is the goal and grail of all living things. But living a long life has problems besides failing health and eroding motor skills. The longer you live, the more money you need.

Medical advances indicate that the human body is built to last about 120 years. If you want to live that long and plan to retire, or have retired, at 65, you will have to find some way to support yourself for 55 years after leaving the work force. That’s longer than most people spend in the labor force since most start their careers around age 20, giving them a working life of about 45 years.

Life expectancy currently is 77 years in this country. By 2050, the elderly population is expected to double to 80 million. This means 20 percent of the population will be over 65.

With more than 70 million baby boomers approaching retirement age, increasing numbers of people will suffer from Alzheimer’s disease since 50 percent of people over 85 are stricken. There are more than 6 million that old now and the number is rising.

That’s but one of a multitude of health issues. The medical-treatment crisis looming involves more than difficulties in delivering and providing the necessary treatment and services. It relies a lot on the individual’s ability to pay for them. And the average monthly rate for assisted living is $4,300.

Suppose you’re healthy and hale and plan to enjoy life. Do you have a retirement fund large enough to last you for as long as you’d like to live? Will you be able to play golf, take vacations, visit family, maintain your residence, go fishing, keep up your hobby, or whatever in the manner in which you’d like?

On the plus side of this equation is that more than 90 percent of Americans feel they should be able to work as long as they are able. Less than a quarter of respondents see retirement as a time for relaxation.

The baby boomer phalanx is also bringing some good news. Since the population is aging and there are more people in middle age than ever before, people are not considered old until much later in life. Sixty percent of Americans believe 71 and over is old age. Attitudes are changing as more older people continue to work, start their own businesses, or join with younger generations to help meet community needs. Social pressure to “hang it up” at a certain age has eased as more seniors become able to enjoy financial security in their old age.