life
expectancy in the United States has increased by at least 30
years, from 47 in 1900 to more than 77 in 2000.
Furthermore,
the number of people living to the age of 100 is one of the fastest
growing groups in America today. In 1965, there were approximately
3,000 centenarians. By the year 2000, 
that number had grown to
more than 70,000. And census forecasts suggest that the number
of centenarians will reach 1 million
by the year 2050.
But there is another change underfoot … a change
in attitude. William A. Sadler, PhD, a sociologist and author,
explains, “Just 30 years ago, the conventional view of aging was
defined by D words: decline, degeneration, disease, disability,
and dependency. Old age was perceived to begin at 60 and proceed
steadily downhill. But times have changed … and people are progressing
after 50. Their lives are now marked by R words: renewal, rejuvenation,
regeneration, reinvention, rediscovery, and redirection.”
This change in attitude and a longer lifespan
render the traditional model of retirement inappropriate. Reflection
and optimism are more the norm than the exception. Recent retirees
are asking the questions, “How can I become a whole person? How
can I make a contribution? What legacy can I leave?” Retirement
is now perceived as a graduation to something new and different
… and, by all accounts, more fulfilling.
Dr. Sadler refers to a “life portfolio” in describing
the process by which we all integrate values, interests, commitments,
and activities into our personal lives. Today, we have a wonderful
opportunity to both experience fulfillment and lay a solid foundation
for generations to come. BERKS ENCORE exists to assist older adults
as they create a life portfolio that reflects their growing sense
of self. Let us know what you want your portfolio to look like,
and together we can move towards unprecedented positive aging.
