One of the most famous demographers (demographic studies) in the United States is Ken Dychtwald. He has written sixteen books on the subject and consults with presidents, world leaders and top executives of major companies. He not only studies the demographics of the US, but he has something to say about the aging population of Japan, China and Europe.
Recently, I read again; “Age Power: How the 21st Century Will Be Ruled by Old Men” by Ken Dychtwald, PhD., Penguin Putnam Book Publishers, New York, NY, 2000, 266 pages, ISBN: 0-87477-594-5. Although this book was written in 1999 and republished in 2000 and was a bestseller, what has changed since then? Not much really, and all of Ken’s predictions are coming true now.
Most of us are aware of this problem, and most of us have elderly members of our family who will soon need long-term care and nursing services. We are prepared? What are we going to do when that time comes? How will we know when it’s time to get a little extra help for mom or dad?
How serious is the problem really? Ken Dychtwald talks about a demographic “train wreck” and the coming demographic crisis in the United States. No, it’s not just here, but it could become a much worse problem here. He states, “A care crisis could become the social and economic sinkhole of the 21st century.”
So what does Ken Dychtwald, PhD. mean by this statement? Well, it’s simple, there won’t be enough money for families to care for all seniors in the last decade of their lives, or enough money in the US treasury to pay for care for everyone during that time. . He also explains that unless tens of millions of caregivers are trained in the next decade, there won’t be enough people to meet the demand, not even enough people for those families who can afford services.
Will we all be saved by new advances in longevity? Don’t count on it, says Dychtwald. Sure, we can live a little longer with technological improvements, but eventually we’re going to need help, and if health care costs continue to rise, a crisis will ensue.
After reading chapter six of this book; “The Crisis of Care” I am even more convinced that there is a great need for reasonable and affordable home care services, as families need an agency with trained, trustworthy caregivers with proven track records. It is needed now more than ever. This niche must be filled. Our nation’s seniors and their quality of life depend on it.