For years I’ve made this promise to my children (in jest, of course). They assure me I’ve already accomplished this and urge me to get a new goal!

In reality, what has served as a kind of parental ‘dark humor’ for my children and me is becoming an increasingly serious challenge for families across America and throughout much of the world.

It’s a fact: two-thirds of all the people who have ever lived past the age of 65 ~ ever in the history of the world ~ are alive today. When my father was born in 1900, the average life expectancy for males was 46.3; females 48.3 years. Today, the average life expectancy in America is 79 and rising. So, among increasing problems of a flagging national economy, world terrorism, and global health issues, let’s add one more to the list of questions we should ask our presidential candidates: after you take office, how do you intend to help America address the opportunities and challenges facing our aging population?

  • How can Americans save enough to afford their longer lives?
  • What bold measures should we take to beat Alzheimer’s before it beats us?
  • Should core geriatric skills be mandatory for medical and nursing schools?
  • How can our communities become more “aging friendly?”
  • Are we asking enough of older adults? What could America’s 68 million retires be doing to contribute to society and the world as a whole?

Ken Dychtwald, PhD, is a psychologist, gerontologist, documentary film maker, author of 16 books and founding CEO of Age Wave, a company that this 1986 has advised businesses and nonprofits worldwide about the opportunities and challenges of an aging population.

In a recent blog, “IT’S TIME TO MOVE AGING/LONGEVITY TO THE POLITICAL MAINSTAGE,” he points up four major issues presidential candidates Clinton and Trump should address. I encourage you to read this important blog. This impacts the Millennials every bit as much as the Boomers and the elderly.

As Christian leaders, business professionals, educators or whatever roles in society we represent, we are influencers. When we know the right questions to ask, we get answers. Like it or not, the “age wave” is us! So check out Dychtwald’s blog and start asking what I believe are some of the “right questions.”

How will your vote for the next president help solve the issues of aging in America?

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