In the new paradigm, 75 now serves as an equivalent to the previously recognized vitality level of 60.
The current retired or soon-to-be retired Baby Boomer generation is witnessing profound transformations in societal norms and demographics. Longevity is on the rise, and the turn of the tide on aging is palpable. This shift in perspective is dramatic, but what precisely does it entail?
Gymnastics legend Johanna Quaas, at 98, continues to break barriers in fitness with her daily routines. The ageless icon from Saxony-Anhalt retired from competitive events not long ago, but her passion for gymnastics remains unwavering. Joined by her family, Quaas' story of resilience and strength is becoming increasingly common as Germany experiences a growing trend of four-generation families.
Will soon it be the norm for the terribly fit elderly to coexist with four generations of their family? This new phase in aging raises questions about its meaning and implications. Statistically, roughly 26,615 residents of Germany aged 100 or above were recorded in 2023, making up a sizable city population.
Artists take the stage beyond 80, novels reignite the romance of old age, and couples celebrate their golden jubilees together, celebrating milestones side by side with their great-grandchildren. Senselessly, heartwrenching losses amongst family members have also become a part of this era.
This generation possesses the power to shape political agendas too; more than 20% of Germany's eligible voters are over the age of 70. This provides a rare opportunity, a historical phenomenon unprecedented in its predecessors.
Adelheid Kuhlmey, an aging researcher at Charité in Berlin, confirms this remarkable transformation. "This is historically a new situation and dimension," observes Kuhlmey. "A lot is shifting." The middle generation, she says, is now sandwiched between the usually-born-adult offspring and aged parents, forming a unique trio.
The shift from the hierarchical demographic pyramid to a mushroom-like formation, where the elderly occupy the bulk of the demographic landscape and the young are in short supply, has unsettled many. Since 1990, the elderly population above 70 in Germany has swelled from 8 million to 14 million.
"We're on the brink of disaster in terms of caring for the elderly," Kuhlmey warns. This apocalyptic projection stems from insufficient shifts in mindset and education; a lack of preparation for this post-professional phase in our lives, which, like a nuclear power plant, lasts most of its lifespan.
A century ago, average life expectancy in Germany was 35-38 years. The impact of two world wars was substantial, but numerous advancements in medical care, nutrition, housing, working conditions, and prosperity have culminated in an aging population.
By 2070, life expectancy may rise to around 86-90 years for newborns, predicts an analysis.
"At 66, it's not over yet," asserted Udo Jürgens back in the 70s. The popular musician attained 80 years of age himself. A survey highlights that 65-year-old Germans can expect to live an average of 16-17 years more without significant health impairments. In other words, the concept of 70 years being the beginning of old age is rapidly losing ground.
However, most people maintain this misconception by equating an individual's biological age with their calendar age. Our bodies are not built for extended lifespans over 90; age-related diseases become increasingly common, and the risk of dementia in particular becomes alarming.
As Johanna Quaas, nearing 99, would attest, "Staying active is the key to longevity." After sustaining a femur fracture three years ago, the ageless wonder embarked on a determined rehabilitation journey, subsequently resuming her daily routines, and even reviving her cycle adventures. While she acknowledges the aches and pains of advanced age — arthritis afflicting her knee and fingers — she refuses to rest, adamant that inactivity exacerbates, rather than alleviates, age-related issues.
Despite Johanna Quaas' exceptional case, her journey towards longevity is hardly the new norm. For the average individual, the phase of high old age, characterized by physical and cognitive decline, often commences around 85, signaling a transition towards a different chapter of life.
Delineating the concept of old age is an onerous task, fraught with complexities in terms of its political, economic, personal dimensions. The clear-cut distinction between 65-year-olds and seniors in their 80s is no longer sufficient.
This 20-year age span across this generation creates challenges in determining the retirement age. "Ideally," argues Kuhlmey, "the retirement age should be based on individual performance."
Defining old age has never been more intricate, and this unique generational cohort offers Kuhlmey a hopeful outlook. The aging researcher points to the Baby Boomers, the cohort born between the mid-1950s and the late 1960s, as the key to navigating this demographic landscape.
Equipped with a wealth of experience and knowledge, this generation understands the complexities of aging as neither an adverse event nor a relentless decline but rather a multifaceted journey. This generation will become the backbone of preparing the next generations for the impact of demographic change and migration on an increasingly aging society.
Researcher Kuhlmey conveys a different perspective: "We've grown overly optimistic about aging as a collective. This is the first generation to understand collectively that things shouldn't be this way. I don't wish for my kids to endure what we're experiencing." She hopes the Baby Boomers will reconsider their future planning strategies. Maybe they'll opt for communal living with friends or embrace intergenerational cohabitation. Digital technologies could also aid their daily lives. Despite their financial resources and extensive reading, the Boomers are numerous, and the existing care system is straining.
"We need a more realistic approach to aging," Kuhlmey argues. There's a deficiency in advance directives and open dialogue about end-of-life matters. What role should medicine play in the lives of octogenarians? What Shouldn't it be involved in? What limitations will it face in the future, given budgetary constraints and the elderly population? Mightn't investing more in preventive health care be a better strategy than focusing on illnesses?"
Studies suggest that social engagement and societal participation are crucial for a lengthy life. Yet, is this true for the extremely elderly? "We're pushing the very old aside far too often," emphasizes the Charité researcher. There's a void of debate and agreement on even controversial topics like assisted dying. It's difficult, often painful work, but as Adelheid Kuhlmey asserts, "You don't get anything in life without paying the price."
With the increasing number of four-generation families, will the active elderly become the norm in the future? This new phase of aging raises questions about its implications and meaning.
Retirees and soon-to-be retirees in the Baby Boomer generation are redefining the concept of old age, challenging the notion that 70 is the beginning of age-related decline.
