Through my leadership position, I advocate public policy for a nation that's growing older at an unprecedented rate. What once was considered middle aged has arguably shifted by a few years. What's more, the largest political advocacy group for older citizens officially has shortened its full name to AARP and is reaching out to new, younger members. Consumers spend billions each year on age- defying commercial products and services that will keep them looking and feeling younger. Americans are living longer, healthier and more productive lives.
More emphasis is placed on better nutrition and physical fitness.
Thanks to advances in science, technology and medicine, one in 26 baby boomers can expect to reach age 100. Older Americans enjoy a higher standard of living in retirement and can keep up a faster pace and lifestyle well into their so- called golden years. In March, my Aging Committee co-hosted an event on Capitol Hill in conjunction with Green Thumb, Inc. to help honor the most outstanding older worker from each of the 50 states. By the year 2030, one in five Americans will be age 65 or older. This will have an enormous impact on health care delivery, the work force, taxpayers, long-term care, and the nation's public retirement programs, including Medicare and Social Security.