The great-grandparent boom

Considering the baby boomers are living longer and healthier, it was only a matter of time that they would be responsible for yet another boom--- the great-grandparent boom.

Yes, you read right.

According to the NY Times article, Here Come the Great-Grandparents, by 2030, “more than 70 percent of 8-year-olds will likely have a living great-grandparent.” This is truly incredible considering there are many who have never even met their own grandparents--- and much less their great-grandparents. However, as we’ve said previously--- we are all living longer and healthier. Take note of this statistic: “In 2000, there were more than 50,000 centenarians, a 35 percent increase from 1990, and the [census] bureau estimates the total will surpass 580,000 by 2040.”

580,000 centenarians by 2040! Now that’s what we call a phenom!

There are so many factors to this longevity phenom but there does see to be a correlation, backed by a Census Bureau report, between those who have higher educations and better careers (ie. they have more money) and their longevity. In our own experiences, we have seen/heard this. We have come across many people who have told us that their loved one is still alive because they had the means to pay for the best treatments.

However, what about those who are less fortunate? What about them? Yes, money helps. But those with low incomes can utilize programs that are available to them to get the excellent treatment. CareTALK will help you find these programs and help you plan.