Inclusive Aging and the Need to Rethink Retirement

People around the world are facing the most extraordinary gift—the gift of time—filled with the promise of longer, fuller, and healthier lives. Life expectancy rates across the globe are on the rise and may increase even more with advances in medicine and technology. However, this gift is not an entitlement; it requires nurturing and care—and it must be financially viable to be achieved.

From an individual perspective, if we want to receive this gift, we must start by taking care of ourselves today so that we can enjoy the benefits of active living, healthy aging, and sustained vitality tomorrow.

From a societal perspective, the gift of longevity is riddled with complexity, especially given the current decline in birth rates and population aging. Reforms to both government and employer pensions often assume that individuals should take on a greater level of responsibility in funding their own retirements. But are people heeding the message?

In an AARP article, Catherine Collinson references research to gauge the adequacy of individuals’ retirement preparations, identify issues and risks, and provide a framework for developing recommendations for positive change.

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