They are attended by change-in work, in family roles, often in economic status, sometimes in living arrangements. According to the stereotype of aging, productivity and creativity may decline. Some research, on the other hand, suggests that they can increase. In fact, social and behavioral research is now transforming many of our notions about aging. Major social research issues at NIA include retirement, health and aging among America's ethnic and racial minority groups, and the status of one of the most rapidly growing population groups in this country - those 85 and over, the oldest old.
Many people approaching their own retirement can remember that of their grandfather.
It seemed a final milestone. After the ceremonies were over, the older couple settled down to a life of leisure, comfort, and financial security. Around the middle of this century, when 65 was a typical retirement age, most people lived only 10 or 12 years after they left the workforce. That part of the picture is changing. With increases in life expectancy and earlier retirement ages, many people now may live a quarter of their lives after they leave their jobs.