Recreation, Sport and an Aging Population

Abstract

America is getting older. The first of the Baby Boom Generation (those born from 1945 to 1964) – 76 million strong – reached the age of retirement in 2011. This mass of people, combined with longer lives and lower birth rates, is changing the demographics of the United States and impacting our society. Between now and 2029, the population over age 65 will increase from 13% of the population to 20%, growing at a rate 7 times faster than the rest of the population. This will not be a temporary shift. Long range estimates are for the percentage of the total population over the age of 65 to remain above 20% for the next 50 years. Dire forecasts are already being heard for the long-term sustainability of Social Security and Medicare and the impact on economic growth and businesses from the retirement of skilled workers. Beyond the workplace and healthcare, this shift will require sport organizations – both recreational and professional – to adjust in order to meet the needs and desires of this formidable market.