We are all aging. Everyday, the clock is ticking. Our bodies show us when our knees click and back aches when we climb out of bed. The mirror reveals lines around our eyes and mouth that weren't there a few years ago, right (lol)? It seems as though we may be slowing down, as the birthdays add up.

Our population does not reflect this. In 2009, the senior population in the United States was nearly 37 million of the estimated 305 million residents. If current advances continue in health, wellness and care continue, there will be 72.1 million seniors by 2030! Obviously strides have been made in senior care, keeping Grandma's and Grandpa's fit and lively. Sometimes, healthier than their children and grandchildren!

Why is this, you wonder? The health care field is finally recognizing the burgeoning need for senior care, specifically senior health and fitness, as well as social and emotional wellness. The trend is at its inception, as this population has only just begun its ascent to be "top" dog in outnumbering other generations.

"Baby boomers", a term given to children born between 1946 and 1964 (post World War 2), are just coming into seniorhood (age 65). Some were "flower children" of the 1960's, and lived a "carefree" lifestyle of daily hallucinogenics, marijuana and alcohol. Others refrained and lived a "meat and potatoes" lifestyle. Great medical discoveries allowed this generation to be the first to thrive longer, and more productively. The 1950's and 1960's saw the development of vaccines against Polio, Measles and Rubella. A combination of drugs (Streptomycin and Isoniazid) were developed as a cure for deadly Tuberculosis.

Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance (MRI) were utilized in diagnosing diseases and conditions without exposing patients to radiation. Kidney dialysis has become a life saver, as have countless surgical procedures such as coronary bi-pass, replacement of heart valves, and pacemakers. Respiratory medicine has advanced where those suffering with asthma can find relief in an inhaler. Those suffering with Senile Dementia and Alzheimers are able to live longer more productive lives due to continued advances in medicine and therapy. Joint replacement surgies, cataract replacement surgeries, the list goes on and on...This generation is the first to benefit from the technological revolution that has taken place in the 20th and now 21st century.

Regardless of one's socio-economic status, health and wellness concerns are everyone's concern. These days, quality of life is paramount for the senior. It is not a matter of having the newest hairstyle or hottest car. Quality of life to the senior is being able to have the care they need when they need it, in order to live every day to the fullest. And those days are increasing, year by year. So be prepared for new markets and products, all created especially with senior care, health and wellness in mind. It is not just a youth culture anymore. Grandma and grandpa are taking over...and we will be them soon enough!