The dramatic increase in average life expectancy during the 20th century ranks as one of society’s greatest achievements. Although most babies born in 1900 did not live past age 50, life expectancy at birth now is at least 81 years in several countries. Life expectancy in the USA rose in 2012 to 78.8 years – a record high. Living forever, or at least well past 100, is within reach of today's youngest generation, some scientists say.
With longer lifespans, many find they are looking at twenty or thirty years of active life after passing “retirement age.” How best to use “the bonus years?” Chuck Brodie looks at the challenges faced when seeking a new perspective on this huge segment of one's life.
Chuck has a PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Illinois, a license in Applied Psychology and a Certificate in Gerontology from Georgia State University. He has worked at Georgia Perimeter College, the Georgia mental health system, and had a clinical practice in Atlanta and Athens since 1992. He has lived in Athens since 2010 and is a lecturer for OLLI.
Across the country, senior cohousing is turning into an increasingly popular option for baby boomers and older adults. It is an emerging form of age-targeted cohousing, and will allow residents to confront the issues of aging in a new way. In these communities, a group shares a property, lives in condos or attached homes clustered together, and shares some weekly dinners, outdoor space and facilities.
