Six misconceptions about societal participation in older adults

By 2050, the number of people over the age of 65 is expected to grow from 9.4 to 16.5 percent of the world’s total population. As longevity grows, so does interest in ways to live happily and healthily. Unsurprisingly, McKinsey’s Hemant Ahlawat and coauthors found that having purpose in life and developing meaningful connections with others were among the most important factors bolstering the health of older adults around the world.

In honor of National Grandparents Day, explore six misconceptions that discourage older adults from getting involved in their communities, plus six ways select cities around the world have addressed these barriers to societal participation. Then, check out other insights about aging with purpose.

Aging with purpose: Why meaningful engagement with society matters

Age is just a number: How older adults view healthy aging

Living longer in better health: Six shifts needed for healthy aging

Forward Thinking on how to live our longer lives with Andrew J. Scott

Author Talks: The world’s longest study of adult development finds the key to happy living

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