Over 75 million Americans comprise the baby boomer generation, and many have reached an age where health care is starting to become a major concern. Baby boomers are generally recognized as the generation born between 1946 and 1964, although many who were born a few years before or after associate themselves with the name. The baby boomers represent a post World War II population explosion and their inevitable aging has made the world statistically older than ever.
The oldest baby boomers are already in their sixties and the health care industry is beginning to feel the effect of their age. The onset of the baby boomer generation saw unprecedented growth for hospitals and clinics in the period between 1950 and 1965. It is now estimated that the current number of senior care facilities, which is far less than the number of existing hospitals and clinics, will be insufficient to handle the large number of aging baby boomers. Furthermore, baby boomers are more likely to seek medical care than the previous generation. Where there parents would often avoid going to see the doctor, baby boomers consider medical care paramount to their overall health and happiness.
The end result of this aging generation on the health care industry will be the creation of several new jobs out of necessity. The US Department of Labor estimates that the health care industry will experience growth that is well above average compared to all other industries over the next two decades. This can be attributed directly to the sheer numbers of this aging generation and their outlook on medical care. In fact, it is entirely possible that there may be a shortage of health care workers in the very near future.
Shortages in personnel often cause wages to rise, a scenario that seems a likely fate for many health care positions. Only time will tell if the supply of workers is able to meet the demands placed on the health care industry by the baby boomer generation.
Aging Baby Boomers Create Jobs in Health Care
A Guide on Sexual Health and Aging
Summary:
The aging process often contributes to a lack of sexual interest and activity among older people. This lack of intimacy can cause severe strain in any relationship and may cause partners to lose interest in each other. This article promotes better sexual health during old age by providing information and tips on how older people can still have a fulfilling sex life despite their age.
In most movies and television shows, scenes that are sexual in nature often show young and smooth-skinned people “getting it on.” But age is not a reason to let your sex life slide. Intimacy with your partner is an essential part of any relationship whether you are in your 20s or 50s. Aside from boosting your personal relationship with your partner, sex also promotes better sexual health – a must regardless of your age. Below are some tips that can help you age gracefully, sexually:
1. Accept the changes in your body and strive to improve.
Do not be turned off by the sagging skin on your forearms or your protruding belly. Instead, welcome these changes but do your part in minimizing them. Keep an age-specific skin care routine, an exercise or fitness regimen, a healthy diet, and fashion style. Confidence is a prime sexual booster and looking good and being healthy are parts of it. However, accept that you may not be able to fit in the jeans you wore when you were 20 or sport the abs you had back in your college days. Just strive to be healthy and feel good in your own skin.
2. Take note and communicate about your and your partner's changing sexual needs.
At 20, you may feel up and running the instant your partner walks through the door. However, age does affect your sexual responses and that of your partner. Age can make your body require more stimulation to feel aroused or orgasm. Similarly, your partner, provided that he or she is of the same age range, may feel the same needs like longer stimulation to get in the mood. Knowing what clicks for your body and your partner is essential in communicating your sexual needs to each other.
3. Expand your definition of sexual relationships.
Actual intercourse can be very tiring especially if you have aching joints. Understand that intercourse is only one of the ways you can achieve sexual intimacy with your partner, not the only way. Often, passionate kissing, touching, massaging, and other forms of sexual contact can be fulfilling enough for both partners.
4. Veer from routine.
If you and your partner have been having sex after a long day at work for the past 10 years of your relationship, you might want to consider morning sex as an alternative. A simple change in routine can rev up your sex life and start making things exciting again. Alternatively, instead of jumping onto the sack instantly, try setting the mood with a romantic dinner and some dancing.
5. Consult your doctor.
Sometimes, the changes your body undergoes may be too severe that they can impair your sexual performance. Surgeries, chronic illnesses, and medications can affect how your body responds to sexual stimulation. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects of the medications you are taking on your sexual drive and response. Likewise, a lengthy discussion about chronic illnesses like high blood pressure, heart problems, and their effects on your sex life is also in order to ensure your health safety when doing the deed. Alternatively, you can ask your doctor for a prescription of medications that can help increase your sexual vigor and boost your libido.