Designing for the Life Span Segment 2

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Slide 8 Content

Until the turn of the 19th into the 20th century, the world population maintained a constant relationship between age segments...

Some scientists argue that the most significant change occurring to the planet in the 20th century has been the new aging of the human species. From the beginning of man's presence on the planet until 1900, the total proportion of those over 65 to those under that age remained a constant 1%. Through technology, lifestyle changes, healthier environmental conditions, medical research and the eradication of infectious childhood diseases, humanity significantly altered its longevity on earth. This has become the most significant issue of continuance of the human race...extending the life span has resulted in a veritable population explosion.

Narration of Slide 8

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...Prior to the onset of the 20th century, humankind - from the very beginning of its presence on earth - held a constant proportional relationship in terms of age. Only 1% of the total population of the earth ever reached 65 years or beyond. The average lifespan was 40 years. In agrarian societies, childhood diseases took 50% of all children and 30% of all women died giving birth to their first child. As industrial societies developed during the 20th century, so did their capacity to cope with public health issues, address childhood diseases, advance medical science , improve the prognosis for mothers and generally create societies where life could be extended to 65 and beyond. Those over 65 began to increase in numbers.

Slide 8 Notes

Text:

Until the turn...

Opening for Segment 1:

A Historical and Demographic Profile of the American Aging Adult Population.