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Hi!
I've been a health writer since 1987 and much of my time has been writing on issues that affect older Americans/seniors/boomers. That means I became familiar with words like "caregiving," "boomers," and "long-term care," long before they became staples in the English language.
When I first started, "older Americans" tended to mean ages 50 to 65, with very little devoted to folks beyond that age group. But I've been a writer for Senior Wire News Syndicate since '97. Then I became a contributor to various national publications, including a newspaper reaching 3 million (that number doesn't include the online edition, plus it's syndicated versions, BTW) adults whose average age is 78. Between the two, I've watched as my audience (not to mention America in general) ages well beyond initial retirement and Social Security years.
Yet I'm amazed at how few media outlets cover topics that recognize the vast differences that can often be found in "older" audiences. There are differences in the caregiving problems of the 50 year old vs. the 80 year old. The 60 year old with multiple health problems may or may not have health care, whereas at least the 70-year-old has Medicare for health insurance (for now, anyway). So now I try to provide a combination of articles that address both younger and older "seniors," and to acknowledge both groups in many of the features I provide.
I'm glad to be writing for Suite 101 and I'm hoping you'll all help me spread the word about all the things important to people ages 55, 65, 75, and older. Send your suggestions!
Regards,
Wendy