Gathering Information About the Impact of Aging on Life in Illinois
Finding Opportunities for Education in an Aging World
What is Aging is an Asset?
Aging is an Asset is democracy in action. Citizens of all ages participate in group discussions about the impact of an older population and how education can benefit from this demographic change. The discussions provide new recommendations for White Papers that describe the changes and how old and young can benefit.
The population pyramids give a visual picture of the changes in our population. The left side represents men and the right, women. Each rectangle represents 5 years. The lower part (gray) is youth 0 to 20 and the upper (gray) is older adults 60 and older.
The Aging is an Asset Series is a work in progress. Each Aging is an Asset forum begins with discussion of a specific topic. Policy papers are written to open further discussions, develop new partnerships, explore new ways of improving education, and prepare for the future. Over the next two years, the Aging is an Asset Series will gather information and prepare policy papers about the impact of aging on life in Illinois and a closer relationship between education and retirees.
Why Aging is an Asset?
In 1950 there was a large youth population and a small older population. In 2000, the transition had started with a growing number of older adults and a slowing of the youth population growth. By 2050, the pyramid will become a rectangle: thus an equal number of old and young.
Aging is an Asset Forums Completed
The first five Aging is an Asset meetings explored the ways that education at all levels could find opportunities in the aging world. The first on higher education opened the door to discussion about retirees as students, volunteers, and advocates for education. The second considered the opportunities for schools (P-20+) by involving retirees, connecting generations, and establishing stronger communication throughout the education pipeline. The third, based on the Blueprint for Elder-Friendly Communities, explored the ways that communities should prepare for increased numbers of older people and the role of education in preparing for an aging society. The fourth considered the aging workforce from the perspectives of employers and a four-generation workforce. The discussion suggested that older adults can contribute in many ways as retirement is redefined. The fifth, on civic engagement, featured a four generation discussion of how retirees could provide leadership in communities.
Policy Papers are available describing the first three Aging is an Asset meetings.
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