The Aging of America: Challenges and Opportunities

April 7, 2010 | 6:30 AM

A discussion with

Dr. John Rowe
Professor, Columbia Mailman School of Public Health
Former CEO, Aetna
Chair, MacArthur Research Network on an Aging Society

and

Dr. S. Jay Olshansky
Professor, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago
Member, MacArthur Research Network on an Aging Society

Moderated by Judy Graham
Health Reporter, Chicago Tribune

Introduction by Robert Gallucci
President, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation

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Imagine a society with many more walkers than strollers. In the years ahead, America will experience the effects of the remarkable increases in disability-free life expectancy and the enormous Baby Boom generation, 76 million strong, will reach retirement age. What will life in an aging America be like for the elderly and for the middle-aged and younger generations? We are entering a period of rapid change in many of our society's key institutions, including retirement, education, housing and labor markets, churches, local communities, political parties, government, and the family itself. How do we prepare to address the challenges and leverage the opportunities of our aging society?

More information available on the Research Network on an Aging Society website.