Lifespan Extension

Before 1900 Common Practices: Marry young Teen years Have many children (Average household size was 7) Majority of deaths are between ages of 0-12 Not all children would survive to adulthood Before 1900

Early 1900’s Common Practices: Marry between 19-22 Lifespan is extending slightly Industrial Revolution WWI & WWII Have many children (Average household size is 5) No immunizations No child labor laws Majority of population died between 45 and 55 Marriage lasts between 20-30 years Retirement after 20 years of work Early 1900’s

Current Trends Life expectancy: Common Practices Men = 78 Women = 82 Less physically challenging jobs Express rather than conceal emotions/stress Common Practices Teens are for “learning the lessons” Early 20’s are for independence Late 20’s-Early 30’s are for “settling down” Marriage 2-3 children Late 40’s-Late 50’s is the “empty nest” period Kids have gone to college but have not had Grandkids yet Early 60’s is Retirement Travel Leisure 75 and above is the “Twilight” period Reflection on life Preparation for death Current Trends

Reasons for Extension Control of Infant Mortality Prenatal Care Medical Advances Control of Communicable Diseases Immunizations Rehabilitation Therapy for Injuries Joint Replacement Prosthetics Control of Infant Mortality Prenatal Care Postpartum Care Improved Child Care Nutritional needs in Early Childhood Reasons for Extension

Attitudes Towards the Elderly 1960-1989: Source of embarrassment People were not used to having to deal with their parents so late in life 1990-Present: We “tolerate” the elderly Need attention and care from us We will become them one day Eastern Cultures: Source of Wisdom and Knowledge Highly respected Attitudes Towards the Elderly

Run some numbers… 50% of the U.S. population is over 45 years old Between 1900 and 1980, the U.S. population tripled Increase in elderly people Journal Entry: By 2025 there will be 58 million people over 65 What does this mean for healthcare? Social Security? Families? Jobs? Other aspects of live? Run some numbers…