Students in general need practical understanding of aging that is applicable to daily life, but not specialized technical information.  Educators can integrate these key aging-related concepts within appropriate disciplines and grade levels.

• The age structure of different populations varies historically and geographically.
• The older population is increasing.
• The older population is becoming older.
• Older women outnumber older men.
• The older population is becoming more ethnically diverse.
• Lifespan is constant; life expectancy changes.
• Life expectancy increased dramatically during the twentieth century.
• Continued gains in life expectancy are not guaranteed.

• Aging-related physical change is not as important as we once thought.
• Physical aging is an inevitable, multifaceted process.
• Physical aging is a slow, gradual, life-long process.
• Most living things have life cycles of patterned biological changes.
• Disabilities, sensory loss, and chronic diseases increase with age but are not inevitable aging conditions.
• The rate of physical aging among humans varies widely.
• Sexuality is a characteristic of people at all ages.
• Death and disability can occur at any age.
• Most older adults maintain active, independent lives.
• Lifestyle choices influence the quality and length of our lives.
• The foundation for healthy aging is developed during youth.

• Psychological well-being is interconnected with physical and social health.
• Significant memory loss is not normal aging.
• Learning can be a life-long pursuit.
• Personality and adaptability does not change as a result of age.
• Wisdom is not automatic with age.
• Most older persons are in good mental health.
• Time perspectives change with age.

• Older people are more diverse than any other age group.
• Each cohort of older adults brings its unique historical and cultural experiences with them as they age.
• Most retired people are socially engaged.
• The roles, status, and norms of age groups vary among cultures.
• Ageism is rooted in cultural beliefs that are learned.
• Language reinforces stereotypes of older adults.
• The structure and dynamics of multigenerational families are changing.

• Financial status varies widely among older persons.
• Inequities of gender, race, and ethnicity persist into later life.
• Economic health in later life relates to financial conditions across the life course.
• Early planning and savings strengthen economic health in later life.
• Income sources and financial needs change in later life.
• Population aging affects economic decisions and public policies.
• Public policies affect the well-being of older adults.
• Public programs for older adults affect the well-being of younger people.
• Perceptions of retirement change with economic conditions.
• Older persons sometimes face age discrimination in the workplace.
• Population aging confronts society with difficult ethical choices.
• Population aging creates new business and career opportunities.

Excerpt from Learning for Long Life: Educational Agenda for the 21^st Century, NATLA, 1998