LIFE EXPECTANCY DRAMATICALLY INCREASES
According to A. Barry Ran, CEO — AARP, life expectancy during the second half of the twentieth century grew by nearly thirty years. Consider the following chart:
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, life expectancy since 1940 has increased dramatically.
| Year | Age |
| 1940 | 63 |
| 1960 | 70 |
| 1980 | 74 |
| 2000 | 77 |
| 2020 | 80 |
| 2040 | 82 |
Not only are Americans living longer, but they are also living better and maintaining a balanced lifestyle. American seniors, age 50+, is the fastest growing age group. The increase in life expectancy will likely have a significant impact on the number – and perhaps type — of homes that will be required to provide for the growing senior population for years to come. Although this trend won’t affect the short-term real estate recovery, it will likely have a positive impact on the long-term value of real estate as much of the aging population needs to stay in housing for more years.