Growing signs our population is aging

Elsewhere today, Di commented that we are all becoming caregivers. I believe she is correct -- at least from the point that I am observing signs our aging population is looking for lifestyle modifications.

Not to say that we are giving up and becoming housebound: Lately, it seems to me that wherever I go -- the bank, the grocery store, a restaurant, I seem to notice people with mobility challenges. Walkers, canes, people grocery shopping with an electric cart...

I've also noted that the population seems to be aging. As an example, we get a lot of tourists going through Galena. Some come by bicycle, many by car, and some by tour bus. But a lot of people who ride motorcycles make Galena a destination because it's such a lovely part of the country that coming here from wherever makes for a scenic drive...

It's not unusual for me to see a "convoy" of 6-10 motorcycles roll through town, most of them with a rider on the back. When you see these bikes parked on the streets, you realize that many of these bikes are fancy top-of-the line jobs, with as many "whiz bang" gadgets associated with them as if they were cars. When you see these, you know they are very expensive machines, not simply purchased as a means to obtain cheap transportation.

But more and more I am seeing people riding trikes. Which says
"older rider" to me. Someone looking for more stability, less chance for rollover, and something that is easier on the human body.

Just today I saw an article announcing Harley Davidson's 2015 line which is debuting in Nashville later this week. It looks to me that there are two trikes in the line.

So we Boomers ARE recognizing that we are aging, we have to. But we are so far attempting to managing the inevitable on our own terms. Redefining aging, as much as we can...

What evidence of this are you seeing? Di, are the people who come to your farmer's markets different?

Here's an oddity: Though I'm getting older, in my mind's eye I'm still young. What's up with that??? I wonder if my grandmother or mother felt like this. Do any of you view yourselves as young, though you may be reaching the top of the mountain? Just wondering.


As far as Anne's question: I see older adults riding those three wheel motorcycles all the time. And I don't blame them. I rolled a motorcycle once and haven't been back in the saddle since.

Yes I am watching our customers age.......sad to see. Some are moving in.....retiring from the east and west coast. Also many younger folks, (about my age) are moving here since our cost of living is supposedly lower.

Many bicyclists, too. Although we do not like this since they are on our back/country roads that have no sidewalks and they hog the two lane roads.

But re; aging.....yeah. I was just in the ER the other night (long story) and they said they've seen 33,000 just in the ER alone as of June 30. That's 10% higher than last year. PLUS, that's about 1/3 the population of the county seat! Amazing.

this also means that this new healthcare program is causing people, who cannot afford the premiums, to go to the ER...they will/cannot refuse service.

Our county seat has doubled in size in the 18 years I've been here. An older population which draws the greater need for more physicians, therapies, cancer treatment centers, rehab facilities etc. We're even getting a third hospital..smaller but yet I guess needed!

Jabber, Most days I don't see myself as old(er). But when my knees are paining me, as they are today, I do.

Here's a great article from the New York Times which addresses this issue of whether or not we feel old, Jabber;

The Elephant in the Room