The emergence of a new life stage provided the context for the creation of Encore NEO.
We are living longer. Lots of us. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, in 1950 the average 65-year-old (all genders and races) could expect to live to the age of 78.9. In 2019, life expectancy for the average 65-year-old had increased by 5.7 years to 84.6.
Most strikingly, in 1940 less than one percent of the population (222,488 people) was 65 or older. By 2011, that number had jumped to 18 percent, or 56 million people!
What we are seeing, in fact, is the emergence of an entirely new life stage – one we refer to as the “Encore Stage.” Many in this new life stage are discarding traditional ideas about idle retirement and are opting instead for much more active engagement in their later years. And for many, economic realities dictate the need to continue to work.
This short video describes this demographic shift and how it is compelling us to question core assumptions about aging, work, and the way we define the chapters of our lives.
The Big Idea in 4 Minutes – Coming of Age In Aging America
This should be good news – more years to enjoy at the end of our lives and more time to contribute to society! What’s not to like?
Living longer, however, brings wide-reaching social and economic challenges.