It is a surprise to many that the human lifespan has almost doubled since the beginning of the 20th century, which started on January 1, 1901. Back then, the average lifespan of an American was less than 50 years old — 47 years, to be exact. Only a small percentage of Americans lived to reach their 85th birthday.
During the 1930’s, medical science made valuable breakthroughs. Vaccines and antibiotics were being discovered, as was the importance of good nutrition. Cures for the epidemic of yellow fever had been discovered. All this provided a dramatic increase in the lifespan of Americans, which rose to about 60 years old. Still, not many folks made it to the age of 85. Those that did were rarely healthy or active.
By the 1950’s, much had changed. There had been an explosion of knowledge in medicine, both in the treatment of illness and advances in surgery. The invention of pacemakers, the new techniques of open heart surgery, and the discovery of miracle drugs like penicillin allowed Americans to survive through illnesses and injuries that previously would have been fatal. A vaccine for polio had been discovered, allowing many children to escape death or disfigurement.
Statistics greatly improved for the number of people living to be 85 years old. More of these elderly folks were healthy and active. Some played golf regularly, many others took regular walks.
There was a growth in both scientific knowledge and medical procedures that did more than just extend life; it allowed people to be more active and involved with others as they aged. Assisted living and nursing homes also helped extend the American human lifespan.
Unfortunately, these facts have not yet sunk into the awareness of business leaders or the general public. For people as young as 50, it’s hard to find a good job — or even keep the one they have. There is little media coverage geared to those of retirement age, and there is even less management interest in hiring someone over 60. But look around: people in their 70’s and even 80’s are still working. True, these are rarely career jobs, and it’s almost impossible for someone that age to find a new job, no matter how alert and capable they may be.
The average American mind hasn’t caught up with the reality of both medical science and the extension of the human lifespan. But as thousands of people turn 60 and 70 and beyond on a daily basis, this demographic is becoming harder to ignore. Already, the majority of people who watch television are seniors. Some business managers are realizing that the older employee is a good hire; less likely to jump to another job, often more loyal and hard working than a younger person.
Within the next decade, people will be forced to readjust their perception of the age at which someone may be too old to be useful. The last barrier to acceptance of the extended human lifespan are dementias that often affect older people — but medical science is hard at work to find ways to prevent brain decline. When they do, the lifespan of humans will take another jump upward. Wait and see.
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Wina Sturgeon is an active 55+ based in Salt Lake City, who offers news on the science of anti-aging and staying youthful at: adventuresportsweekly.com. She skates, bikes and lifts weights to stay in shape.
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