Aging in the U.S. is such an interesting and multifaceted topic of discussion. On the one hand,
we have a culture that avoids death and dying until it smacks us in the face, like Betty White’s
recent passing weeks before her 100th birthday. On the other hand, we are inundated with
advertisements and entertainment seemingly targeted at a youthful population. As Americans
have practically doubled the life expectancy since the early 1900s, it should be understood
that, in addition to having more children surviving childhood, we now have more adults
reaching ages that would have been the exception, not the rule, in decades past (Katz, 2021).
One may wonder why our society continues to be uncomfortable with death while pushing a
youthful narrative. I myself have wondered this quite a bit.
a My 87-year-old grandfather is quite prideful of his “youth.” He continues to farm,
albeit a smaller portion of his property and now at a pace that suits him, he drives, and he lives
on his own out in rural northwestern Ohio, about half a mile away from his nearest neighbors.
He considers his health an immense point of pride, remains fiercely independent, and seems to
enjoy his vantage point in comparison to his peers, whose numbers grow smaller each year.
However, he refuses to discuss plans, wishes, or directives regarding failing health or his
ultimate passing. This has been a point of contention between himself and his children, who
will eventually be tasked with settling his final affairs. Of the small tidbits of information that
have been shared by him, we are all aware that he wishes to remain alive, no matter the cost,
no matter the condition. It seems logical, therefore, that he, like many others, may have a fear
of the unknown and a natural urge for survival (Deretić & Smith, 2021).
a Likewise, here in Columbus, Georgia, there is a lot of talk about liposuction, face lifts,
breast augmentation, and so on. In particular, Botox seems to be everywhere, including hair
salons. I am not personally looking into these services, but the interest is certainly present and
apparent. According to a report by Research and Markets (Professional Services Close-Up,
2021), the global market for anti-aging products, services, and offerings was $194.4 billion back
in 2020 and is estimated to more than double in size by 2030 to $422.8 billion. This growth is
estimated to be attributed to increased awareness of anti-aging products available on the
market, medical tourism, disposable income, and cosmetics surgeries available. Meanwhile, one
of every five Americans in 2030 will be aged 65 or older and the median age of the U.S.
population is expected to grow from 38 to 43 by 2060 (Census.gov, 2021), creating a larger
target demographic for anti-aging services. These services are advertised and focused on
because they are part of an enormous industry that happens to be thriving. I see the value in
these services for those who may desire them, but for the time being, I prefer to age naturally.
LeeAnn
References
Deretić, I., & Smith, N. D. (2021). Socrates on why the belief that death is a bad thing is so
ubiquitous and intractable. Journal of Ethics, 25(1), 107-122. https://doi-
org.ezproxy.snhu.edu/10.1007/s10892-020-09354-y
Katz, R. E. (2021). The aging of America requires personal, cultural and policy changes. Health
Progress, 102(1), 37-41.
Older people projected to outnumber children for first time in U.S. history. Census.gov. (2021,
October 8). https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2018/cb18-41-
population-projections.html
Research and Markets issues report: Anti-aging market. (2021, September 7). Professional
Services Close-Up.
