We are troubled by a wide variety of problems. Some of us are concerned about climate change. Others detailed the continuing impact of the coronavirus. Yet another group is alarmed by Russian aggression and the growing desire for power that appears to be coming with China's rise. Many see the explosion of innovation surrounding artificial intelligence as a major threat.
But another, lesser-known crisis that can affect almost anyone physically, mentally and spiritually continues largely unaddressed.
This crisis is associated with a significant increase in the aging population with a decrease in the number of young people.
We've known for some time that our nation's entitlement programs for older adults are heading in an unsustainable direction. For example, Social Security began with a veritable army of young workers available to support the benefits given to each senior citizen. Over time, that margin has eroded significantly. The ratio used to be more than 40 workers per beneficiary;
Now it's closer to 2-1. The same problem applies to Medicare.
Western countries collectively face this problem. I understand this much. What is less understood is how to solve the problem as we continue to have fewer children and more and more older people live longer. Any attempt at reform seems to be a political beginning. And in the relatively near future, these programs may become unsustainable.
However, for modern societies like America, this problem is just the tip of the iceberg. We have been economically mobile. Families are spread over generations and sometimes spread over vast distances. My elderly parents, who have no immediate family in the area, are becoming increasingly frail. Divorce or other family breakdowns often strain family bonds. The once large sibling networks that could share parental care have shrunk considerably.
We need to strengthen the bonds of family, church, and community. Our families must become closer, not weaker and more dispersed.
Additionally, dual-income households have replaced the old single-provider model (effectively out of economic necessity), where women tended to stay at home and care for both younger and older generations. .
Finally, and crucially, because older people are living so long, the children who have to care for them are often older themselves and easily overwhelmed by the task.
This last point threatens to be the straw that breaks the camel's back, as people who are already becoming less capable and less flexible are forced to make incredibly difficult decisions about their parents. These decisions can be even more difficult if finances are not sufficient to support several years of expensive care in an assisted living or nursing home.
Under the current system, many families have exhausted their elderly parents' assets and are left with no choice but to go through a process of impoverishment when moving them into Medicaid facilities, unless they are unable to care for them themselves. There is little doubt that many people will exceed their resources, expectations, and preparation when faced with this problem.
The first two areas involve managing resources. We all need to think about how to financially prepare ourselves and our families as best we can. This may mean focusing less on acquiring material goods and travel experiences and more on saving for future needs and loved ones.
Moreover, American public policy will need to take greater account of the dangerous dynamics of a large aging population supported by a small number of young people.
But most importantly, we must become spiritually stronger and more connected in the face of this crisis. We need to strengthen the bonds of family, church, and community. Our families must become closer, not weaker and more dispersed.
How many of us remember growing up surrounded by a large group of relatives, with family gatherings for birthdays and holidays? How many people have seen such events go down as well? How many of us expect a church body (if we have one) that emphasizes consumer and entertainment experiences over serious spiritual formation and filial piety?
The challenges for parents and grandparents who grow old and are no longer able to care for themselves are more pressing than ever. Previous generations were better off than us and better prepared to deal with the realities of aging.
We must begin to reweave our spiritual and social fabric so that we can be responsible and loving towards our mothers and fathers.
