Many misconceptions exist about aging: Is aging an inevitable decline, or is it a natural part of life with its own set of opportunities for growth? This May as we celebrate Older Americans Month, let’s flip the script and transform how society perceives, talks about, and approaches aging! To do this, we can use data and statistics to dispel some stereotypes:
- To age is to lose ability – The rate of metro Atlanta seniors experiencing disability has actually decreased over the last decade. In 2010, 35 percent of older adults in the Atlanta region reported having a disability. By 2023, only 30 percent reported a disability.
- To age is to lose productivity – The labor force participation rate of people 65 years and over has increased in the Atlanta region since 2010. As of 2023, nearly 1 out 4 older adults in metro Atlanta were still in the labor force.
- To age is to be respected – Despite their many contributions, older people still face ageism in our society and it’s a growing problem. In terms of employment, the number of age discrimination charges filed with Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in the State of Georgia have nearly doubled in the last four years.
Want to learn more about what Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) is doing to plan for the needs of future seniors while creating opportunities for current older adults to engage with their communities to find purpose and connection? Check out this slide deck or click through the slideshare that follows!