It's the most wonderful time of the year, apparently. Unless you're a Washington Redskins fan, a healthcare.org advocate, or an employee in the PR department of the NSA. But as the snow falls and the yule-tides rise, it's worth looking back over 2013 to note -- to celebrate -- what a great year it's been to get a year older.
- You're in good company. Whether you call home Tokyo, Berlin, Sao Paolo, or Kansas City, you and those around you are growing old at an unprecedented rate. Japan has an incredible 30 percent of its population over 60, and this will climb to 40 percent in the next two decades. Europe is only inches behind, and the less-industrialized nations of the world at catching up quickly. Quite soon, what was once "old" will be middle-aged, and a slew of new possibilities and opportunities are arising.
As the kids get ready to go back to school in 2014, we should all recognize what a good year it's been. The progress we are making in capturing the opportunity of aging will create a better tomorrow for people of all ages. A healthier, more active and productive aging population will drive fiscal sustainability and economic growth for decades and decades to come. Indeed, a new model of aging may just be the greatest gift we could give our kids this holiday season.