Growing Up and Growing Older

Americans are living longer than ever before. A child born today can expect to live 80 years, 90 years, or longer. Many of today’s children will live to be centenarians. Aging education to prepare people for the long life ahead has been endorsed since the first White House Conference on Aging in 1961. However, little is happening with aging education in our homes, schools, and communities. This article discusses the school nurse’s role in helping to prepare children for the long life ahead of them and presents aging education resources and activities. School nurses can help to create a generation of Americans who value older adults, have positive attitudes about aging, and plan for successful healthy aging.