Policy Recommendations for Meeting the Grand Challenge to Advance Long, Healthy, and Productive Lives

Abstract

We are living longer than we have ever lived in the history of humankind. Although the coronavirus has impacted life expectancy, scientists predict continued increases in life expectancy throughout the 21st century (Prevent Epidemics, 2020). Older adults possess an incredible amount of experience, skills, and strong desires to make significant contributions to society often through work, caregiving, and volunteering. Yet barriers such as ageism and age discrimination, a lack of support for those who provide care, and limited access to volunteer opportunities all suppress the ability to be meaningfully engaged in society. We review these issues below and offer some policy recommendations to support older adults who work, care, and volunteer.