Alternate energy forms and the aged

Abstract

The U.S. aging population is increasing rapidly. Those “over 65” numbered 3.1 million in 1900, and by 1977 the total climbed to 23.5 million. It can be stated with reasonable certainty that this figure will rise to 31 million in the year 2000 and 43 million in the year 2020. These figures, corresponding to more than 10% of our population, are by no means insignificant. This growing constituency is expected to produce substantial social, economic and political influence over the period contemplated for development of alternative energy systems. As our fossil-fuel reserves are being depleted and the cost of energy mounts, it becomes apparent that the elderly will become increasingly vulnerable to the energy crisis, primarily because of physical tendency to infirmity, their economic and social situation, and their susceptibility to psychological depression. Energy is used so universally in our daily lives—for lighting, residential comfort, water heating, operating appliances, transportation, etc.—that we seldom think of it for itself, but only for what it can do. It might appear, at first, that age does not play a role in how people demand energy. However, upon further examination, it becomes evident that there are reasons for differing energy demands between age groups. For example, because the aged generally live on fixed and limited incomes, it follows that their problems have a serious economic aspect. There are also special medical concerns, particularly those related to temperature and lighting, since the aged are particularly vulnerable to situations in which either of these is less than adequate. This paper discusses those aspects of aging and the nation's energy problem which are not usually related in our everyday consideration of these as separable problems.