Demographics of Aging:

The definition of demographics is the statistical characteristics of human populations that is used to especially to identify markets.  The demographics of human lifespan is changing very rapidly.  The population of older adults in the world is increasing significantly 40.  For Instance in America alone:

Year	Population > 65 years
2000	35 million
2010	40 million
2020	53 million
2030	70 million

 

The graying of America 40

Going hand in hand with the growing population of > 65 is the population of > 85  40.  In subsequent decades, especially between 2030 and 2050, the > 85 years group will grow sharply as the baby boom generation ages.  The group is expected to increase from 3.6 million in 1995 to 5.7 million in 2010, to 8.5 million in 2030 and to 18.2 million in 2050 40.  If people > 80 years of age are included, the expected increase in 2030 is 19.5 million 24.

As life expectancy lengthens, the quality of life becomes of major concern.  The goal is to keep the aging population mobile and able to live a healthy, active life that is disability-free 40, rather than increasing the lifespan alone. 

In the United States, approximately 80% of all people over 65 have at least one chronic health condition, and 50% have at least two 53.  Chronic health conditions eventually lead to severe disability, therefore in order for older adults to lead an active lifestyle something needs to happen to postpone chronic diseases from occurring 53.  Current research shows that healthier lifestyles seem to be the key in the postponement 53.  A critical component of a healthier lifestyle includes physical activity 47.

The most prominent historical factor in population aging has been fertility decline 30.  The generally sustained decrease in total fertility rates (TFRs) in industrialized nations since at least 1900 has resulted in current levels below the population replacement rate of 2.1 live births per women in most nations 30.  Persistent low fertility since the late 1970s has led to a decline in the size of successive birth cohorts and a corresponding increase in the proportion of older relative to younger population 30. 

Total fertility rate: 2000 (births per year) 33

Austria	1.4
United Kingdom	1.7
Russia	1.3
Australia	1.8
Canada	1.6
United States	2.1
Japan	1.4
China	1.8
Brazil	2.1
Mexico	2.7

 

Demographics of Physical Inactivity:

Physical inactivity among adults, 1998, in percentages 41

Adults	60.0
Race
White	57.6
Hispanic	68.4
African American	66.9
Other	62.9
Sex
Female	65.6
Male	54.0
Age
18-24	54.2
25-44	59.2
45-64	62.9
65-74	60.2
75+	67.7

 

For more information on demographics of aging and physical inactivity refer to these sources:

• The demographics of aging 30
• The demographics of aging in the United States: Implications for Dermatology 23
• A fresh model for Gerontology 30