| Chapter 1: | Introduction |
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In this book, we discuss current and planned strategies to assist older persons and considered whether they might also benefit this younger group, or whether we need to consider entirely new initiatives. Finally, we lay the groundwork for future research in this area.
Significance
Can there really be that many people who are sick enough to require assistance before age 65? The answer is yes. In 2002 an estimated 5% of this age group, approximately 1.4 million Americans, reported needing assistance with daily activities as a result of a severe disability (Steinmetz, 2006). Recent studies suggest that morbid obesity and resultant chronic conditions are on the rise among people over 50, as well as younger age groups (McTigue et al., 2006; O’Rand, 2005). Trends in obesity coupled with the aging of the 78 million–strong baby boom generation––the oldest of whom turned 60 in 2006––ensure that these numbers will only increase in the near future.
At first glance, people in late middle age appear to be ideally situated if a need arises––they have both older and younger generations to call upon for assistance, and they are more likely than other age groups to be married (U.S. Census Bureau, 2007). Availability of assistance, however, does not automatically translate into assistance received. In fact, there are reasons to expect that there are fewer helping resources available to people in late middle age who are “prematurely” in need of help. First, family and friends may have time constraints. For example, people who are disabled before age 65 may receive less help from their children than older groups given that their children may still be dependent, or may be starting families and careers during the early stages of adult life when time demands are high.