Antiquated ideas of old age hold back N.S

• Published in: Chronicle-herald (Halifax, N.S.)
• Main Author: Carmody, Cathy
• Format: Newspaper Article
• Language: English
• Published: Halifax, N.S CNW Group Ltd 25.04.2015
• Subjects: Age; Baby boomers; Dementia; Older people; Retirement; Nova Scotia Canada
• ISSN: 0828-1807

What is unusual about this second group is that, for the first time in human history - because of increased longevity, improved health and technological advancements -its members will have the opportunity to experience additional years of growth and development (for anyone turning 50, there is the possibility of 25-plus years) before anything resembling "old age" will arrive.Retirement and old age have become decoupled, leaving this "new life stage," between 50 and 75-plus, on its own. (For some strange reason, there is an exception for some older persons in positions of economic power and wealth.) Is ageism toward baby boomers causing Nova Scotia to miss the potential of rich human resources that could bring increased participation in, and contribution to, the economy, as well as experience to sort out the big issues facing Nova Scotia? I believe it is. [...]time as Nova Scotia's political and business cultures choose to wake up, participate in detoxifying aging and grasp the potential of an older population, it will be up to you and me, as individuals, to create that "new map of life."