By Mark Abromaitis
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

It’s a startling realization, and a reality for everyone. America is steadily  growing older as a nation.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 1950, only 10% of the U.S.  population  was over the age of 65. But by 2030, some estimates show that over 70% of the nation’s population will be aged 65 or older.

Confronting that changing demographic head on is one of the country’s only schools dedicated to studying every aspect of aging—The Erickson School of Aging Studies at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC).

“It’s about changing the negative perceptions on aging,” says John Erickson, the founder and namesake of the school. “It’s about preparing this country and the leaders of tomorrow for the many, many tasks at hand. Society is changing. It’s getting older. And we’re tackling this issue head on.”

What it’s all about
According to UMBC, the program studies every aspect of aging in this country. Undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs focus on areas such as marketing and product design; community planning; social services; real estate; financial services; policy analysis and development; advocacy; consumer technology; travel, leisure, and hospitality; health care management; and housing.

Erin McClintock, a student at UMBC, says that she believes the Erickson School brings a new perspective to senior living. “I like the outlook and the holistic approach Erickson takes. They are looking at every possible aspect of an older person’s life. There’s so much more than just the medical side of aging,” she says.

Outreach efforts
The unique school is open to anyone in the retirement industry and any students who have an interest in the field. To grow interest in the school, UMBC has been reaching out to students, government workers, and professionals in the retirement industry across the nation.