By Ann Nicholson
November 2, 2001
As the U.S. population shifts toward an increasing number of elderly citizens creating a "longevity revolution," faculty members and researchers in the George Warren Brown School of Social Work (GWB) are heading up policy and research agendas aimed at recognizing and promoting older adults' contributions to society.
In addition to recent research reports and national conference presentations, Nancy Morrow-Howell, Ph.D., associate professor; James Hinterlong, research associate; and Michael W. Sherraden, Ph.D., the Benjamin E. Youngdahl Professor of Social Development and director of GWB's Center for Social Development (CSD), co-edited the newly released book "Productive Aging: Concepts and Challenges."
"Despite the stereotype of the physically frail elder, the typical American retiring at age 65 can look forward to at least a decade of active, healthy life," Morrow-Howell said. "This demographic revolution is a striking success for technology and economic development, a huge blessing and opportunity for individuals and an enormous resource for society. Yet, in large part due to our system of retirement that dates back to the industrial revolution, the skills, expertise and experience of those in later life currently are almost universally inefficiently employed."
Based on a CSD conference on the topic, the new book presents the nation's top scholars in gerontology discussing factors allowing older adults to lead more active and healthy lives. The volume defines principles and offers historical perspectives and conceptual frameworks for understanding productive aging.
The authors examine the biomedical, psychological, sociological and economic implications of a more capable older generation and consider advances in gerontological theories that can support future practice and research. Morrow-Howell, Hinterlong and Sherraden conclude the volume with a research agenda that seeks to advance accurate perspectives about the potential of older adults and to foster development of appropriate social institutions and policies.
CSD's research in this area is gaining national recognition. This fall, Morrow-Howell and Hinterlong will deliver an invited address giving an overview of the volume and highlighting CSD's initiatives in productive aging at the International Longevity Center in New York. Ongoing CSD research is examining the links between productive engagement and well-being, and the connections between type, frequency and outcomes of opportunities for older adults and productive behavior. Future areas of focus include reviewing current policies affecting productive behavior, developing cost-benefit analyses of productive engagement and exploring service as an institution for older adults.
According to census data, more than 12 percent of the U.S. population is over age 65, with this age group expected to make up 20 percent of the population by 2030. Of the roughly 33 million people currently over age 65, more than 70 percent are fit and functioning.
"As average life expectancies rise, traditional concepts of retirement need to be reconsidered on all levels --from government policy to business practice to individual life planning," Hinterlong said. "Currently, older adults are, in effect, coerced into leisure activities by the lack of opportunities for continued productive engagement. When we look at capacity building for this generation of Americans, we need to promote policies that encourage active engagement for the benefit of both seniors and society."
¥ 20 percent of those in good or excellent health are involved in these activities fewer than five hours a week;
¥ One in seven older adults who are not working are unable to find a job;
¥ More than half of workers, ages 50-64, would continue working if retraining or transition opportunities were available and pensions were age-neutral; and
¥ 55 percent of those who are not volunteering are willing to do so.
Sherraden noted that additional research is needed to determine the factors that promote engagement, especially through structured programs. While many older people would like to do something productive, they often don't have the means to do so, he said.
"Proactive social policy can secure access to productive roles and spark the formation of innovative public-private programs that provide opportunities for seniors to participate in meaningful productive activity ranging from work to volunteerism, care-giving, education and civic activities," Sherraden said.
Morrow-Howell added: "Rather than viewing older life as a separate stage of life, emphasis should be placed on productivity over the entire lifespan.
"The ultimate limiting factors for productivity in later life should be individual capacity and interest, not institutional shortcomings," she continued. "Variables such as available information, access, incentives, variety and facilitation related to activities for older adults need further research. In addition to mental and physical health, ensuring active engagement in life will be key to helping older individuals achieve successful aging."
For more information on CSD's productive aging initiatives, visit the Web
site gwbweb.wustl.edu/Users/csd/prodaging/main.html.
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