Healthy Aging in Action: Advancing the National Prevention Strategy [Internet]

Excerpt

In 2011, the year the National Prevention Strategy was released, the first wave of the baby boomer generation celebrated its 65th birthday. Since then, the number of individuals over the age of 65 has reached 46 million and is projected to reach 74 million by 2030. Americans reaching the age of 65 today can also expect, on average, to live an additional 19 years. While the federal government, states, communities, and families significantly benefit from the contributions and experiences of older Americans, there also are challenges in meeting the needs of the growing population of Americans 65 and older. Never has there been such a spotlight on older adults, and we can use this moment to redefine what it means to experience healthy aging in the United States.