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   In the New Year, many of us make resolutions. For some of us, it may have an emotional component, like “spending more time with our family.”  For others, it may be of a physical nature, like trying to lose weight. But there may be other physical needs, like fixing your teeth.  

When you get your teeth taken care of, it can improve your overall health, chewing function, oral musculature, nutrition, and appearance. The goals of losing weight are similar. Walking and exercise are easier, medical issues like high blood pressure and diabetes are better controlled and you look better as well. But while weight loss can be achieved by limiting your food/caloric intake, dental improvements often require the help of a dental professional – like a dental hygienist or general dentist.

   What Happens at the Checkup

 When you are in the chair getting your teeth cleaned, the hygienist removes hard deposits (tartar) as well as soft ones (plaque).  Though the hard deposits are mostly annoying, the plaque involves bacteria which can be detrimental to your teeth and overall health.

  It’s the bacteria that feed off many of our foods causing acid to attack our teeth and gums, causing cavities and tissue problems. You can resolve to do a better job at home brushing and flossing to remove debris, but a trip to the hygienist two or three times a year can ensure that you are doing it effectively, as well as eliminating the “hard to find” tartar and plaque.  

Digital radiographs ( x-rays) and photos can be used to look for decay, bone abnormalities and periodontal diseases. The hygienist will also look for possible tissue problems or growths that may – or may not – be cancer-related.

     And at your visit, the dentist plays a similar role, in both diagnosing and treating problems. 

For years, careers advanced through three stages: Learn, Earn, Retire. 

During the first stage, the primary focus was on acquiring knowledge and skills as a foundation for a thriving career. The middle stage was all about work, with a keen eye on advancement and salary increases. Then came retirement, which for most, happened around age 65. 

Today, this journey is far more fluid, with more employers involved from start to finish. Life-long learning has become the new career catalyst, as businesses strive to recruit talent to help them better compete in a rapidly changing world.  

With people living longer, the work runway is extending well beyond age 65. For some, it’s a choice to stay engaged in work they enjoy. For others, it’s a necessity to bolster their retirement nest egg. 

Whatever the motivation, digital is creating more ways for today’s older workers to stay engaged in meaningful jobs, but at a more leisurely pace.

Our Aging Population

In 1900, life expectancy in the United States was 46.3 years for men and 48.3 years for women. By 2000, we added about 30 more years to the life expectancy clock. Looking ahead, experts predict that by the mid-2030s, life expectancy will top 90 years. 

The 2030s will usher in one more stunning demographic shift. Older people will outnumber children for the first time in U.S. history. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s projections, by 2034, there will be 77 million people 65 years and older, compared to 76.5 million under 18.

Paying for a 30+ Year Retirement

We might be living longer, but our bank accounts haven’t caught up. 

While nearly 80% of our parents could count on pension income, this retirement revenue stream is disappearing. Only 23% of younger Boomers (ages 56-61) expect to receive pension income and only 38% of older Boomers enjoy that benefit.