Fall 1990

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While media and marketers were trumpeting the baby-boom generation, an entire wave of Americans moved into their 50s, 60s, and 70s. Today social scientists (and astute church leaders) are coming to see the vastness and significance of this overlooked and rapidly growing generation. For example, did you know that:

-There are more Americans 65 years of age and older than the entire population of Canada.

-The over-55 population is multiplying three times faster than the population at large.

-Since 1982, the number of persons in the U.S. over age 65 has exceeded those under the age of 18 years.

-Life expectancy will increase from 75 years to 80 years within the decade.

-The U.S. is moving from a youth-oriented culture to a nation of middle-aged and older adults.

-The 65-years-plus group represents 12 percent of the national population. (In churches, this group represents 20 percent.)

America, and the entire Western World, has found itself in the midst of what sociologists are calling an age wave. The senior adult population offers an unusual opportunity for ministry and growth for nearly every church.

At LIFE International (an organization helping parishes apply the principles of church growth to reach senior adults), a national sampling we recently took revealed that many denominations already are seeing the age wave crest on their shores (see chart).

55 years+ 13-20 years

American Baptist 26.5 9.6

Assemblies of God 14.4 18.0

Christian Church/Church of Christ 24.8 12.4

Christian & Missionary Alliance 14.6 8.8

Christian Reformed 16.8 11.2

Church of ...

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