The Silver Wave

The dramatic aging of the U.S. population during the next 30 years will transform every aspect of our society, from healthcare to housing, from cars to computers. By 2030, the number of people over 65 will double to approximately 71 million, rising from today’s 12% to approximately 20% of the entire US population.  This is greater than the percentage of older people in Florida today. By 2050, some experts estimate that there will be more than one million women and men over the age of 100.

The realities of this rising Silver Wave are not completely known, but only recently has public discussion begun to consider (if not plan for) the challenges and opportunities of an older America. Strategic Communications & Planning continues to serve nonprofit organizations that are working today to address the changes that will come with tomorrow's aging revolution.

These groups include:

• AARP and AARP Foundation
  The leading nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for people age 50+ in the United States, with over 35 million members.
  www.aarp.com

• The American Federation for Aging Research 
  One of the nation's largest private organizations devoted to supporting and promoting research into the processes of aging and the diseases and conditions related to aging.
  www.afar.org

• Center in the Park
  A senior center serving Northwest Philadelphia, currently implementing innovative evidence-based programs to improve older adults’ health.
  www.centerinthepark.org

• Guided Care
  Developed by Johns Hopkins University, this care model helps older adults with chronic diseases better manage their care while lowering medical costs.
  www.guidedcare.org

• Grantmakers in Aging 
  A national affinity group of funders dedicated to promoting and strengthening grantmaking for an aging society.
  www.giaging.org

• Hospital at Home
  This health care model provides acute-level care in a patient’s home, providing greater patient satisfaction and improved health outcomes for less cost than a traditional hospital stay.
  www.hospitalathome.org

• Jarvie Commonweal Service
  Jarvie Commonweal Service is a New York City-based social service organization that provides direct social services and financial aid to older adults, grants to organizations, and educational programs to service providers.
  www.jarvie.org

• The John A. Hartford Foundation 
  The country's leading private philanthropy with a sustained focus on aging and health.
  www.jhartfound.org
  Please see our case study for more information on our work with the Hartford Foundation.

• The National Council on the Aging
  The National Council on the Aging is a national network of organizations and individuals dedicated to improving the health and independence of older persons and increasing their continuing contributions to communities, society, and future generations.
  www.ncoa.org

• Project Enhance of Senior Services of Seattle/King County
  Project Enhance, a program of Senior Service of Seattle/King County, administers two award-winning, community-based health programs for older adults across the country.
  www.projectenhance.org
  Please see our case study for more information on our work with Project Enhance.