The fastest growing segment of the U.S. population are not baby boomers or seniors. It is the senior, senior -- or the so called "old, old" -- people 85 years and older. In 2005 they topped 5 million people, and by the year 2050 it is expected to be 20 million!
Compared to all of the other states, Hawaii saw the largest spurt of the 85+ seniors; from 1990 to 2005 their population grew 1.23 percent to nearly 28,000 people.
Information from National Geographic Magazine June 2007 issue.
This really amazes me because I know some of these ancient people, and they eat as much junk food as teenagers -- however they also take handfuls of medication.
Do you know anyone 85 years or older? What are they like?
See our related post
Want to Live Longer? Move to Hawaii.
Yes. Two have past away in the past few years. My grandmother was ninety-four, and her sister my great aunt was 98. They both were very active.
I have another great great aunt who is ninety-seven she's very active also none of them ate junk food so they aren't taking meds.
I'm not surprised that the life expectancy is higher. Health care/meds plays a role in longevity in your westernized cultures.
Posted by: Opal: Vegan Momma | July 20, 2007 at 08:27 AM
Hi Opal,
That is great that you come from such a long line of strong healthy women, plus with you being a vegan, I would not be surprised if you lived past 100!!
Posted by: HawaiiVacationGifts | July 20, 2007 at 01:14 PM
My mom and aunt are both over 85, my dad lived to be 92. My mom and aunt are both sharp as can be and still bowl every Thursday!
I hope someday to be one of those old people living in Hawaii!
Posted by: Mauigirl52 | July 23, 2007 at 11:00 AM
Hey Maui Girl, you can move to the Big Island and bring your mom and aunt. We have the Hilo Lanes bowling alley and another one in Kona.
Posted by: HawaiiVacationGifts | July 24, 2007 at 04:28 AM