Cedar Rapids, IA, USA  
Digital Edition Digital Edition
Log in Log In My Account My Account
Subscribe Today
The Gazette The Gazette
The Gazette The Gazette
  • COVID-19
  • News
  • Sports
  • Opinion
  • Food & Drink
  • Business
Digital Edition Digital Edition
Log in Log In My Account My Account
Subscribe
CLOSE
The Gazette
Subscribe
My Account
  • News
    • All News
    • Election 2020
    • Coronavirus
    • Business News
    • Community
    • Crime and Courts
    • Education
    • Government
    • Health
    • Nation and World
    • Time Machine
    • Search Archive

    Our Journalists

    • Rod Boshart
    • Lee Hermiston
    • Erin Jordan
    • James Q. Lynch
    • Trish Mehaffey
    • Vanessa Miller
    • Kat Russell
    • Grace King
    • John Steppe
    • Gage Miskimen
    • Marissa Payne
  • Sports
    • All Sports
    • Iowa Hawkeyes
    • Hawkeye Football
    • Hawkeye Basketball
    • Prep Sports
    • Prep Volleyball
    • Prep Football
    • Prep Basketball
    • Prep Wrestling
    • Iowa State Cyclones
    • UNI Panthers
    • Small College Sports
    • Minor League Sports
    • Outdoors

    Sports Desk

    • Mike Hlas
    • Jeff Johnson
    • Jeff Linder
    • J.R. Ogden
    • K.J. Pilcher
    • Leah Vann
  • Opinion
    • All Opinion
    • Editorial Mission
    • Guest Columnists
    • Letters to the Editor
    • Political Cartoons
    • Staff Columnists
    • Staff Editorials
    • Submit a Letter or Column

    Our Columnists

    • Todd Dorman
    • Adam Sullivan
  • Food and Drink
    • All Food and Drink
    • Chew on This
    • Recipes
    • Restaurants
  • Business
    • All Business
    • Agriculture
    • Business Notes
    • Companies
    • Personal Finance
    • Economy
    • Employment
    • Energy
    • Manufacturing
    • Openings & Closures
    • Real Estate
    • Retail
    • Small Business
    • Transportation

    Our Journalists

    • Rod Boshart
    • Erin Jordan
    • John Steppe
  • Obituaries
    • All Obituaries
    • In Memory Of
    • Submit an Obituary
  • Podcasts
    • All Podcasts
    • Daily News Podcast
    • Fact Checker
    • Hlastradamus Odds
    • Iowa Prep Sports
    • On Iowa
    • On Iowa Politics
    • On UNI
    • Pinning Combination
  • Entertainment
    • All Entertainment
    • Art
    • Books
    • Museums & Galleries
    • Music
    • Theater
    • Things To Do
  • Living
    • All Living
    • Health & Wellness
    • Home & Garden
    • Milestones
    • People & Places
    • Pets & Animals
    • Recreation
    • Religion & Belief
    • Travel

    Our Writers

    • Diana Nollen
  • Kids Gazette
    • See All
    • Kids Cooking Series
    • Kids Galleries
    • Printables
    • Activities
    • Articles
    • Submissions
    • Resources
  • Photos
    • All Photos and Videos
    • The Iowa Photo
    • Photo Store

    Our Photojournalists

    • Andy Abeyta
    • Liz Martin
    • Rebecca Miller
    • Jim Slosiarek
    • Gazette Visuals
  • Milestones
    • All Milestones
    • Anniversaries
    • Days To Remember
    • Engagements
    • Holidays
    • In Remembrance
    • New Arrivals
    • Thank Yous
    • Submit a Milestone
  • Data
    • Arrests
    • Building Permits
    • Interactive Maps & Charts
    • Salaries
  • Gazette Sites
    • Classifieds
    • Corridor Careers
    • Garage Sales
    • Gazette Gives Back
    • Gazette Rewards
    • Gazette Store
    • Green Gazette
    • HER
    • Iowa Wedding Experience
    • Holiday Light Finder
    • Hoopla
    • Iowa Ideas
    • Photo Store
  • Special Events
  • Special Sections
  • Other
    • About The Gazette
    • Archives
    • Article Removal
    • Business Directory
    • CR Arrest Database
    • Mobile Apps
    • Customer Care
    • Order Back Issues
    • Privacy Policies
    • Puzzle Answers
    • Sponsorship Requests
    • Submit a Letter
    • Weather
Daily News PodcastDaily News Podcast
Daily NewslettersDaily Newsletters
Log out

FOLLOW US

The Gazette
  • News
  • Sports
  • Opinion
  • Food and Drink
  • Business
  • Obituaries
  • Podcasts
  • Entertainment
  • Living
  • Kids Gazette
  • Photos
  • Milestones
  • Data
  • Gazette Sites
  • Special Events
  • Special Sections
  • Other
  • All News
  • Election 2020
  • Coronavirus
  • Business News
  • Community
  • Crime and Courts
  • Education
  • Government
  • Health
  • Nation and World
  • Time Machine
  • Search Archive

Our Journalists

  • Rod Boshart
  • Lee Hermiston
  • Erin Jordan
  • James Q. Lynch
  • Trish Mehaffey
  • Vanessa Miller
  • Kat Russell
  • Grace King
  • John Steppe
  • Gage Miskimen
  • Marissa Payne
  • All Sports
  • Iowa Hawkeyes
  • Hawkeye Football
  • Hawkeye Basketball
  • Prep Sports
  • Prep Volleyball
  • Prep Football
  • Prep Basketball
  • Prep Wrestling
  • Iowa State Cyclones
  • UNI Panthers
  • Small College Sports
  • Minor League Sports
  • Outdoors

Sports Desk

  • Mike Hlas
  • Jeff Johnson
  • Jeff Linder
  • J.R. Ogden
  • K.J. Pilcher
  • Leah Vann
  • All Opinion
  • Editorial Mission
  • Guest Columnists
  • Letters to the Editor
  • Political Cartoons
  • Staff Columnists
  • Staff Editorials
  • Submit a Letter or Column

Our Columnists

  • Todd Dorman
  • Adam Sullivan
  • All Food and Drink
  • Chew on This
  • Recipes
  • Restaurants
  • All Business
  • Agriculture
  • Business Notes
  • Companies
  • Personal Finance
  • Economy
  • Employment
  • Energy
  • Manufacturing
  • Openings & Closures
  • Real Estate
  • Retail
  • Small Business
  • Transportation

Our Journalists

  • Rod Boshart
  • Erin Jordan
  • John Steppe
  • All Obituaries
  • In Memory Of
  • Submit an Obituary
  • All Podcasts
  • Daily News Podcast
  • Fact Checker
  • Hlastradamus Odds
  • Iowa Prep Sports
  • On Iowa
  • On Iowa Politics
  • On UNI
  • Pinning Combination
  • All Entertainment
  • Art
  • Books
  • Museums & Galleries
  • Music
  • Theater
  • Things To Do
  • All Living
  • Health & Wellness
  • Home & Garden
  • Milestones
  • People & Places
  • Pets & Animals
  • Recreation
  • Religion & Belief
  • Travel

Our Writers

  • Diana Nollen
  • See All
  • Kids Cooking Series
  • Kids Galleries
  • Printables
  • Activities
  • Articles
  • Submissions
  • Resources
  • All Photos and Videos
  • The Iowa Photo
  • Photo Store

Our Photojournalists

  • Andy Abeyta
  • Liz Martin
  • Rebecca Miller
  • Jim Slosiarek
  • Gazette Visuals
  • All Milestones
  • Anniversaries
  • Days To Remember
  • Engagements
  • Holidays
  • In Remembrance
  • New Arrivals
  • Thank Yous
  • Submit a Milestone
  • Arrests
  • Building Permits
  • Interactive Maps & Charts
  • Salaries
  • Classifieds
  • Corridor Careers
  • Garage Sales
  • Gazette Gives Back
  • Gazette Rewards
  • Gazette Store
  • Green Gazette
  • HER
  • Iowa Wedding Experience
  • Holiday Light Finder
  • Hoopla
  • Iowa Ideas
  • Photo Store
  • About The Gazette
  • Archives
  • Article Removal
  • Business Directory
  • CR Arrest Database
  • Mobile Apps
  • Customer Care
  • Order Back Issues
  • Privacy Policies
  • Puzzle Answers
  • Sponsorship Requests
  • Submit a Letter
  • Weather
Daily News PodcastDaily News Podcast Daily NewslettersDaily Newsletters
LOG OUT

FOLLOW US

More Stories

Iowa State Patrol trooper killed during standoff

Hari Michele Osofsky is first University of Iowa presidential finalist…

Despite their discomfort, some residents beginning to agree to COVID-19…

CANCELED: Operation Quickfind issued for Marion boy

Iowa OSHA: Anamosa prison didn’t have reliable radios

After border visit, Hinson calls for reinstating Trump policies

Visitor restrictions eased at Cedar Rapids hospitals

Joni Ernst says ‘zero’ chance she will run for president…

Home / Life

Aging in Iowa: Baby boomers poised to change landscape for seniors

Erin JordanBy: Erin Jordan Nov. 2, 2014 1:00 am Updated: Nov. 1, 2014 2:48 pm
Aging in Iowa: Baby boomers poised to change landscape for seniorsAging in Iowa: Baby boomers poised to change landscape for seniorsAging in Iowa: Baby boomers poised to change landscape for seniorsAging in Iowa: Baby boomers poised to change landscape for seniorsAging in Iowa: Baby boomers poised to change landscape for seniorsAging in Iowa: Baby boomers poised to change landscape for seniorsAging in Iowa: Baby boomers poised to change landscape for seniorsAging in Iowa: Baby boomers poised to change landscape for seniors

CEDAR RAPIDS — Although baby boomers have started turning 65, they aren't old. At least they don't see themselves that way. They certainly aren't comfortable using the word 'elderly.'

If Mick Jagger can strut his stuff onstage at 71, boomers can stay in the work force, maintain their own homes and remain relevant in politics and advertising.

'Boomers don't think of themselves as seniors, and I don't think they ever will,' said Jay Newell, an Iowa State University associate professor of advertising.

Thirty years ago, in 1984, The Gazette did a series called 'From Baby Boom to Elderly Boom.' Reporters interviewed experts in sociology, gerontology, media and culture about what the world would be like in 2011, when the boomers at the earlier end of the age group started turning 65.

Some of the predictions were dead on. For example, sources said Iowans would be working longer, giving birth to fewer children and ditching malls to shop 'by home computer.'

Other predictions haven't borne out. The Gazette's 1984 sources thought communal living and mass transit would thrive in the 21st century to cater to seniors. Most older Iowans still live in single-family houses and many drive cars into their 70s and 80s.

Iowa a gray state

Iowans aged 65 and older make up 15.6 percent of Iowa's population. By 2030, that's expected to be closer to 20 percent as more boomers age into the demographic.

Tony Sibilio, left, and Mark Prastka, right, discuss their work schedules at Pat McGrath Chevyland in Cedar Rapids on Thursday, October 30, 2014. Like Prastka, Sibilio is retired but decided to take on a part-time job, and has been working at the dealership for the past 2 years. (Sy Bean/The Gazette)
Mark Prastka, 63, drives a client's car toward the carwash at Pat McGrath Chevyland in Cedar Rapids on Thursday, October 30, 2014. A recent retiree, Prastka worked in the jewelry business for 28 years, but decided to take on a part-time job for 'something to do.' (Sy Bean/The Gazette)
Mark Prastka, 63, drives a client's car toward the carwash at Pat McGrath Chevyland in Cedar Rapids on Thursday, October 30, 2014. A recent retiree, Prastka worked in the jewelry business for 28 years, but decided to take on a part-time job for 'something to do.' (Sy Bean/The Gazette)
Mark Prastka, 63, drives takes a client's car to the autoshop at Pat McGrath Chevyland in Cedar Rapids on Thursday, October 30, 2014. A recent retiree, Prastka works part-time at the dealership as a shuttle driver and greeter. (Sy Bean/The Gazette)
Mark Prastka works as a shuttle driver and greeter at Pat McGrath Chevyland, but does many other odd jobs that are required, in Cedar Rapids on Thursday, October 30, 2014. 'We'll do anything from getting lunch to going to the post office,' said Prastka. (Sy Bean/The Gazette)
Jay Newell, Iowa State University associate professor of advertising
Sato Ashida, University of Iowa assistant professor of community and behavioral health
0905_MON_JSpencer ¬ Jaime Spencer, vice president, Frank N. Magid Associates ¬ ¬
Erin Jordan

Erin Jordan

Investigative Reporter, The Gazette

I'm a Cedar Rapids Gazette investigative reporter.

Iowa OSHA: Anamosa prison didn’t have reliable radios

House committee approves $17 million more for Workday computer system

Gov. Reynolds gives $96,000 in bonuses to 2 agency leaders

Maquoketa Caves reopening April 15

Iowa state park camping fees increase for the first time…

All articles by Erin

Give us feedback

We work hard to provide fair, accurate coverage because we value your trust. If you find an error or omission in our reporting, please tell us here.

Submit a story idea

Do you have a story idea that we should look into? Please tell us here.

Related Stories

Former choir teacher now works ‘for the tree canopy of…

Former choir teacher now works ‘for the tree canopy of…

Marissa Payne News Mar. 19, 2021 12:24 am

Taft Middle School aide receives state award for going above…

Taft Middle School aide receives state award for going above…

Grace King Education Mar. 11, 2021 3:25 pm

Iowa City teacher leaps back into magic, mentalism this year…

Iowa City teacher leaps back into magic, mentalism this year…

Diana Nollen People & Places Dec. 26, 2020 5:40 pm

Life

Sowing Success

Sowing Success

Dorothy de Souza Guedes

Home & Garden Apr. 11, 2021 1:45 pm

Twisters gymnastics teams shine at state tournaments

Twisters gymnastics teams shine at state tournaments

Community

Recreation Apr. 9, 2021 12:46 pm

Find the perfect quilt this weekend at Quilt Amana, inaugural…

Find the perfect quilt this weekend at Quilt Amana, inaugural…

Diana Nollen

Community Apr. 7, 2021 2:03 pm

Iowa Senate passes mental health funding changes

Iowa Senate passes mental health funding changes

Rod Boshart

State Government Apr. 6, 2021 9:59 pm

News

Hari Michele Osofsky is first University of Iowa presidential finalist…

Hari Michele Osofsky is first University of Iowa presidential finalist…

Vanessa Miller

Higher Ed 20m ago

Linn and Johnson outpace state in rate of adults completing…

Linn and Johnson outpace state in rate of adults completing…

John McGlothlen

News Apr. 11, 2021 3:41 pm

Despite their discomfort, some residents beginning to agree to COVID-19…

Despite their discomfort, some residents beginning to agree to COVID-19…

Michaela Ramm

Health Care and Medicine Apr. 11, 2021 12:04 pm

CANCELED: Operation Quickfind issued for Marion boy

CANCELED: Operation Quickfind issued for Marion boy

The Gazette

Crime and Courts Apr. 11, 2021 11:40 am

People & Places

After 25 years of problem-solving, city of Iowa City’s attorney…

After 25 years of problem-solving, city of Iowa City’s attorney…

Lee Hermiston

Government & Politics Apr. 1, 2021 5:01 pm

Interim parks director prepares to step into permanent role as…

Interim parks director prepares to step into permanent role as…

Gage Miskimen

Community Mar. 25, 2021 5:09 pm

Scholarship opens doors for Mount Vernon High School senior

Scholarship opens doors for Mount Vernon High School senior

Diana Nollen

Community Mar. 3, 2021 11:34 pm

Wyoming’s geological oddity, Devils Tower, draws visitors from around the…

Wyoming’s geological oddity, Devils Tower, draws visitors from around the…

By Lori Erickson, correspondent

Living Feb. 26, 2021 9:10 am

Sports

Metro duo produce for fifth-ranked Louisville baseball

Metro duo produce for fifth-ranked Louisville baseball

K.J. Pilcher

Sports 4h ago

UNI football hangs with, but can’t beat, No. 2 North…

UNI football hangs with, but can’t beat, No. 2 North…

UNI Panther Football Apr. 10, 2021 8:50 pm

Photos: UNI Panthers vs. NDSU Bison

Photos: UNI Panthers vs. NDSU Bison

Gazette Visuals

UNI Panther Football Apr. 10, 2021 8:34 pm

Kirkwood advances to NJCAA D-II women’s basketball tournament

Kirkwood advances to NJCAA D-II women’s basketball tournament

Justin Webster

Sports Apr. 10, 2021 7:25 pm

FOLLOW US

The Gazette is Iowa’s independent, employee-owned source for local, state, and national news coverage.

© 2021 The Gazette

All Rights Reserved.

  • Advertise with us
  • Privacy
  • Web Accessibility

Contact Us

  • 116 3rd St SE
    Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
  • customercare@thegazette.com
  • (319) 398-8333
  • Live Chat

Links

  • Puzzle Answers
  • CR Arrest Database
  • Article Removal Request
  • Archives
  • Green Gazette
  • Corridor Careers Jobs
  • Work at The Gazette
  • Customer Care

© 2021 The Gazette

All Rights Reserved.

  • Advertise with us
  • Privacy
  • Web Accessibility
Folience A Folience Company