Issues — The Future of Aging
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ShareGray and Incarcerated
In a disturbing article at Mother Jones, James Ridgeway investigates the fastest growing population in US prisons--one in 12 are now 55 and older. Lacking hospice and assisted living quarters, and with no aids for mobility, many inmates can do nothing except wait in their cells to die.
Noteworthy Results from Medical Home
Some practitioners are adopting a team approach to treating patients. “Medical home” is the term for this whole-patient, coordinated-care approach in which prevention is key and prompt access is promised, reveals Personal Health columnist Jane Brody at the New York Times.
Peek Ahead 50 Years
Aging—not just what happens to our bodies but how we approach growing older—is changing from one generation to the next. In an article at boston.com, Leon Neyfakh takes a look at current research and considers what’s in store for tech and policy making.
Best Friend as Caregiver
Dementia care just got friendlier. Trained canine companions are on the job, fetching medications when an alarm goes off, reminding owners to wake up, and more. Beyond that, this therapy pet is good for morale, reports the Independent.
Toward a Better End
An article from South Africa’s Mail & Guardian online argues that one of our greatest challenges is to make the end of life worth living. The writer is Cambridge University scientist Guy Brown, author of The Living End: The New Sciences of Death, Ageing and Immortality (2008).
Rethinking Old Age
In this op ed piece for the New York Times, Atul Gawande, MD, describes how geriatricians are rethinking and revolutionizing nursing homes. Gawande is a Boston surgeon and a staff writer for the New Yorker.
Renewable You
This fascinating graphic from the Washington Post’s website reveals the many body parts that can be replaced, from knees and retinas to heart valves. Next up: new bladders.
Longer Life – Bigger Price Tag
As reporter Jilian Mincer explains in SmartMoney magazine, the good news is that Americans are living longer and the bad news is that they need nest eggs substantial enough to pay for a retirement that could last 30 years.
The Aging Stigma
Reporter Natasha Singer tells us in a New York Times article that scientists finally are designing products to help older adults—yet companies have trouble selling them.
The Aging of the World
Journalist Ted C. Fishman notes that, thanks to globalization, a nation's power may now rest on how willing it is to neglect its older citizens. He explains why in this thoughtful New York Times Magazine article adapted from his book, Shock of Gray (2010).
The Times They Are a-Changin’
Leon Neyfakh, writer for the Boston Globe's Ideas section, tells us that when today’s 30-year-olds reach their later years, old age will be nothing like it is today.
Our Mission
The Silver Century Foundation promotes a positive view of aging. The Foundation challenges entrenched and harmful stereotypes, encourages dialogue between generations, advocates planning for the second half of life, and raises awareness to educate and inspire everyone to live long, healthy, empowered lives.
"It is not by muscle, speed, or physical dexterity that great things are achieved, but by reflection, force of character, and judgment; in these qualities old age is usually not poorer, but is even richer."
Cicero (106-43 BC)