Introduction
José Temprana celebrates his new citizenship with a kiss in Miami on June 29, 2007 — at age 105. Born in Cuba, he was a sponge diver and lobster fisherman before he was jailed for 30 years for opposing Fidel Castro. He fled to Florida after his release. (AFP/Getty Images/Robert Sullivan)
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The number of elderly Americans is rising sharply. More than 1 million people will be at least 100 years old by 2050 — up from just 50,000 centenarians in 2000. With more and more Americans living longer, policymakers worry that Social Security and Medicare costs will drain money from health and education programs for the young. Meanwhile, researchers are trying to prolong life even more, making old age a time of health and activity, not sickness and frailty. Some envision a future when people routinely live in good health to 100 or longer, aided, perhaps, by drugs that turn on “longevity” genes, newly discovered secrets of long-lived people and even computer chips and tiny robotic devices implanted in humans to help them remain vigorous. But many gerontologists and ethicists argue that the human body is far too complex for such drastic changes and that scientists should focus on improving health care for all Americans, not increasing longevity.
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Older Americans and Senior Citizens |
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Jun. 07, 2019 |
The Retirement Crunch |
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Sep. 30, 2011 |
Prolonging Life |
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Mar. 15, 2011 |
The Graying Planet |
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Oct. 13, 2006 |
Caring for the Elderly |
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Feb. 20, 1998 |
Caring For the Elderly |
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Aug. 01, 1997 |
Age Discrimination |
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Dec. 06, 1991 |
Retiree Health Benefits |
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Aug. 19, 1988 |
The Elderly in an Aging America |
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Nov. 21, 1986 |
Home Health Care |
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Aug. 06, 1982 |
Housing Options for the Elderly |
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Nov. 10, 1971 |
Plight of the Aged |
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Nov. 06, 1963 |
Nursing Homes and Medical Care |
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May 20, 1959 |
Housing for the Elderly |
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Sep. 04, 1957 |
Health of the Aged |
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Aug. 01, 1949 |
Older People |
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Mar. 29, 1938 |
The Job Problem for Older Workers |
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