America is in the middle of a historic demographic shift — one that will touch nearly every family, workplace, and community. This transformation is called the Age Wave, a term used by gerontologist Ken Dychtwald to describe the unprecedented growth in our older population.
What Is the Age Wave?
The Age Wave began when the first Baby Boomers turned 65 in 2011, and it will crest through the 2030s. By 2030, all Baby Boomers will be age 65 or older, and by 2034, for the first time in U.S. history, there will be more people over 65 than under 18.
In 2022, there were about 58 million Americans over age 65.
By 2040, that number will climb to more than 80 million.
This shift is being driven by longer life expectancies, lower birth rates, and a large wave of Baby Boomers remaining active well past traditional retirement age.
How the Age Wave Is Reshaping the Workforce
Many Americans are working longer — sometimes by choice, often by necessity. Older employees bring decades of experience and mentorship value, but they may also face challenges such as:
Age discrimination in hiring or promotion.
The need to reskill to keep pace with technological change.
Health issues or caregiving duties that make traditional work schedules difficult.
Employers who adapt with flexible schedules, training programs, and inclusive policies can harness the strengths of an age-diverse workforce. Those who don’t risk losing a wealth of talent.
Why This Matters for Seniors and their Families
As more people work longer and live longer, the legal and financial planning needs of families are shifting. The Age Wave intersects with elder law in critical ways:
Guardianship & decision-making: Longer lifespans mean more years where legal decision-making authority may need to be transferred to a trusted person.
Medicaid & long-term care planning: With rising healthcare costs, advance planning is essential to protect assets while ensuring quality care.
Special needs & supplemental trusts: More families will need tailored estate planning for loved ones with disabilities or chronic conditions.
Senior housing & nursing home contracts: The demand for housing that balances independence with care will soar, making contract review and negotiation vital.
How My Law Firm Can Help
The Age Wave is not just a statistic — it’s a lived reality for millions of families. In my practice, I see how proactive legal planning can make the difference between crisis-driven decisions and a smooth, dignified transition.
Whether you are an employer navigating an older workforce, an adult child caring for aging parents, or a senior planning your next chapter, the time to prepare is now. By addressing legal, financial, and healthcare needs early, you can face the Age Wave with confidence and peace of mind.
The contents of this blog post are intended to convey general information only and not to provide legal advice or opinions.