Critical Issues in America Series

Aging in America: Leveraging the Frontiers of Aging Research to Promote Healthier Lives and an Empowered Community

America is aging. Throughout American history, individuals under the age 18 have outnumbered adults over 65, a condition that in population demographics was described by a pyramid shape with more young individuals at the bottom available to support the social, economic, and caregiving needs of older individuals at the top. The pyramid is now undergoing a radical shift: it is becoming a pillar. According to US Census data, in 2034 individuals over the age of 65 will equal the number of children under 18. By the year 2030, not far from today, the U.S. baby-boomer generation will be 65+. Every fifth person in America will be an older adult. By historical standards, the sheer number of older adults is staggering: in 2016, there were 49.2 million older adult Americans and by 2060 that number will double. This demographic shift has implications for almost every aspect of society. Aging is a critical issue.

The Center for Aging and Longevity Studies, in collaboration with a grant provided by UCSB's College of Letters and Sciences will host a Critical Issues in America Series program focused on aging and longevity. The program will run from January 2023 to December 2023. It will bring together UCSB faculty and other world-renowned experts to give presentations that will take stock of our current understanding and newest discoveries about aging from multiple research disciplines.

Related Links

US Census data, Critical Issues in America Series