We have long known the psychological consequences of long-term loneliness. Being isolated from others often leads to depression, anger, increased stress levels and poor decision making. Intimacy is an innate human need. We need to be touched, to be able to confide in someone and to give and receive help. We need to feel
There are currently 1.8 billion people in the world aged 10-24. That’s roughly 23% of the total world population. At no time in history has there been more young people on the planet. There has also never been as many older persons on the planet. Around 14% of the world’s population is age 60
In 2006, 17 older persons got together for a scooter tour around the island of Taiwan. It was a trip most of them had wanted to do for years. Over 13 days, the riders triumphed over winding mountain passes, wind and rain and surprised even themselves with how far they were able to push
One out of every 11 people on earth is currently 65 years old or older. This is excellent news. By 2050, the United Nation predicts the figure will be nearer one in six. Even better. Why? Because, an aging population, as Natalia Kanem, executive director of UNFPA explained in a 2017 speech, “is the
Stories of older persons being taken advantage of by scam artists are in the news with alarming frequency. While con artists and strangers do prey on the elderly, 90% of reported elder abuse involves family members and takes places at home. Family relationships can be complex and not all carers want to be in
Most older persons want to live in their home for as long as possible. They want to stay connected with their memories and independence. Many studies outline the benefits of aging in place, but with the rapid increase in the aging population and changing family composition, the focus now is changing to aging in
