Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/557366
older during the next 25 years is expected to increase to 72 million. PEOPLE ARE LIVING LONGER In the last century, our country has experienced an enormous change in how long people live. In 1900, the average US life expectancy was 47.3 years. Today it is 78.8. Advances in medicine and health care, along with lifestyle changes, have contributed to people living longer. THE TYPES OF DISEASES HAVE CHANGED In 1900, the leading causes of death among adults were infectious diseases such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and influenza, as well as accidents. Today, adults are affected by more chronic illnesses, living for years WHY NOW? What are the forces driving this increased opportunity? Part of the answer can be found in demographic and societal changes. Call it synchronicity or just old-fashioned good timing, but the end result is that those of us who are interested in practicing geriatric massage are in the right place at the right time. Here are some trends to consider: THE NUMBER OF OLDER ADULTS IS INCREASING It's no secret that the fastest-growing segment of our population is people aged 65 years and older—and the greatest increase is occurring in those 85 and above. The number of Americans aged 65 years or 54 m a s s a g e & b o d y w o r k s e p t e m b e r / o c t o b e r 2 0 1 5 with conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. MORE OLDER ADULTS ARE TURNING TO COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES Their reasons include an increased desire to participate in their own self- care, concerns regarding side effects of medications, concerns about health-care costs, and consumer dissatisfaction with conventional medical care. Adults over 65 are motivated to use complementary modalities for pain relief, to improve quality of life, and to maintain health and fitness. The complementary and alternative therapies most commonly used by older adults are chiropractic, herbal medicine, and massage therapy. THE "CULTURE CHANGE MOVEMENT" IS IMPACTING NURSING HOME CARE The "culture change movement" is a grassroots movement aimed at transforming the culture of aging in America and bringing person-centered care to the nursing-home industry. Spearheaded by the Pioneer Network, the movement is about fundamental change in nursing homes that creates a less institutionalized and more humane environment to support the elder's life, dignity, rights, and freedom. AN OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH So, what does all this have to do with you? If you feel drawn to work with elders, it has a great deal to do with you. As our population ages, greater numbers of older adults will be seeking ways to live well longer or to find relief from the symptoms of the conditions affecting them. If you have the knowledge, skills, and sensitivity to meet their needs, there