RETIREMENT & AGING
In Focus
"See more clearly when you are informed"
Retirement & Aging Retired individuals can be overlooked and even discriminated against. In the last decade the retirement age has been raised from 65 and experts say it will likely continue to rise. Below you will find key terms, statistics, and other useful tools to understand and talk about Retirement & Aging. If you would like to know more, consider coming to an IYC event. Our next one can be found below in the section labeled Our Events. We host them virtually, on a wide range of topics, discussing policy, civics, and current events.
Key Terms You Should Know
Retirement:
Occurs after a person has stopped working because they reached a particular age and is typically associated with being able to financially afford to do so; retirees can still work however.
Aging in Place:
The decision to remain in your home and community as you age.
National Senior Citizen Law Center (NSCLC):
“The National Senior Citizens Law Center’s principal mission is to protect the rights of low-income older adults.” Works to “preserve and strengthen Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security and SSI, benefits programs that allow low-income older adults to live with dignity and independence.”
Aging:
Associated with age-related physiological deterioration including typically with a person’s ability to function day-to-day, survive, and reproduce. In contrast with these health associated outcomes of aging, people opine that we get wiser as we get older.
Ageism:
Defined as “prejudice or discrimination on the grounds of a person's age.”
Moments In History
1875 - American Express Company creates 1st private pension plan in the U.S.
1967 - The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) prohibits employment discrimination for people age 40 to 65 w/ limited application for those older.
2021 - The org Justice in Aging launched their Strategic Initiative to Advance Equity in Aging to help low-income older adults.
1935 - Social Security establishes 65 as the normal retirement age, raised to 67 in 1983.
2005 - Mortin Jablin begins his retirement living on a cruise ship from Regent Seven Sea Cruises.
Statistics
Social Security Administration projects 2.1 workers per beneficiary in 2040
(3.7 workers per beneficiary in 1970) meaning less workers paying into SS..
Among Americans aged 65+
10.2% lived below the official poverty line in 2022.
57.8 million adults age 65+ in 2022 (31.9m men & 25.9m women) in the U.S.
People are working longer. Fewer adults in their 60s are retired: than 41% of Fortune 500 CEOs publicly identify as LGBTQ+.
People are working longer. Fewer adults in their 60s are retired:
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Notable Names
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Suzie Orman
General Ford
Celia Cruz
Grandma Moses
Carl (from Up)
Values
Health
Quality of Time
Independence
Security
Community
Symbols
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Our Events
Past
Future
Further Resources
Retirement & Aging Infographic
Share what you have learned about Retirement & Aging. Our Infographic has been designed to be shared easily by printing, emailing, or posting on social media. Click on the image to view or download the PDF File. (Not for commercial use.)
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Craftivism Event Video
As you make your own wood ornament, you will learn about Retirement & Aging. You can follow the instructions to make a version of this craft with your own supplies. No experience necessary. You can also make an event out of it yourself by hosting your own Craftivism: Retirement & Aging. Feel free to share this video with others! (Not for commercial use.)
Take Action
Talk to someone about your or a loved ones’ stages of retirement, encore career, or any other retirement plans.
Volunteer in a retirement home or look into a career as a caregiver for someone in your life who needs extra help and care.
Gift Storyworth or a journal to a loved one who is getting older to record stories about their life.
Learn about and teach family members how to make their technology use more aging friendly: making the font size larger, installing a dictation tool, and using a smartwatch/smartphone to keep track of health metrics.
Share our Retirement & Aging infographic with friends, family, and anyone and everyone you think would appreciate becoming more informed!