By the time people read this article, I will have reached my 65th year of life. I share this bit of trivia, not because such an event is particularly unique, in fact, millions have already preceded me in achieving such a milestone, but I share it because I have now joined the fastest growing segment of our country’s population.

Today, persons 65 years or older represent over 12.5 percent (approximately 36 million) of the U.S. population. However, by 2030 that percentage is expected to grow to 20 percent. (or 71.5 million). With that kind of growth, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that an aging population is going to create significant challenges for our society. Not only are there socioeconomic consequences that will affect our culture and government spending (i.e. Social Security, Medicare, etc.), there are the personal consequences and challenges facing each person as they enter their senior years.

For example, consider some of these major “issues” seniors face today: marital status; employment; living arrangements; income; health and health care; disability and activity limitations; and care giving. And at the heart of each of these is the nagging question: “How can I maintain my independence, and not become a burden for my family?”

Frankly, it’s this question of “independence” that may be the single most daunting issue seniors must confront as they grow older. Being able to live independently is really a matter of freedom, integrity, and self-worth, and until we get older, we tend to take that freedom for granted.

Fortunately, as I turn 65, my wife and I are unusually blessed with regard to the issues mentioned above. We have been married for 45 years, we both have jobs that we love and are uniquely fulfilling, we own our home, our income more than meets our needs, we are both in good health, with no disabilities or activity limitations — and we are care-givers, not care-receivers.

But as I’ve been discovering, that is not the case with a growing number of seniors. For example, almost half of all women 65 and older are widows, which creates some significant hardships if they were dependent on their husbands to handle the maintenance and business affairs of the household. In addition, for one-third of Americans over 65, Social Security benefits constitute 90 percent of their income, with one in six being at or below the poverty level. While many seniors are able to continue working past 65, health issues increasingly take their toll, with over 45 percent indicating some type of disability (physical and nonphysical). And, as we get older, that percentage increases dramatically.

A few months ago these statistics would not have had as much impact on me as they do today (And it’s not because I just turned 65). The fact is, I’ve recently become affiliated with an amazing community of senior care providers here in Kitsap County, and it’s revolutionized my perspective and understanding of the challenges facing seniors today.

As the result of coming to work for an organization that provides services for seniors that want to maintain their independence in their own residence, yet recognize the need for varying degrees of assistance, I’ve had the opportunity to get acquainted and network with some of the most caring and dedicated people I’ve ever met — men and women who are truly committed to providing services and care to our aging population.

In addition to a number of quality retirement and life-care facilities, which foster independent living within an active and vibrant community of other seniors, there are also many outstanding assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, some specializing in Alzheimer’s and dementia care.

Add to these resources a host of support groups, senior centers, DSHS, and the wonderful staff at the Kitsap County Division of Aging & Long Term Care, and it becomes obvious just how blessed we are to have such a network of care providers that can meet the needs of seniors at whatever stage or condition of life they find themselves.

While growing older is inevitable, and the challenges sometimes seem formidable, for those about to enter (and those of us who have entered) the senior years of life, there’s good news: freedom, integrity, fantastic care providers, and for many, independent living for many years to come.

(Editor’s Note: Carl Johnson spent many years as a banker in Kitsap County, and is now the the marketing coordinator for Abiding HomeCare. He may be reached at (360) 692-6929 or crjohnson60@wavecable.com.).