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In 1976, 7.6 million of Canada's population were 50+. Beginning in 1996 and continuing
until the year 2012, an additional 9.8 million Canadians (Baby Boomers born between
1946 and 1964) will turn 50. This totals about 17.4 million Canadians age 50 and
over.
Since people are living healthier and longer, it is quite conceivable that the majority
of those who are currently in their 60's to 80's will be still living. Statistics
Canada projects that the population of Canada in 2012 will be between 34 and 35
million. Since the fertility rate is currently 1.6 which is well below the replacement
rate of 2.1, the majority of this population increase will be accounted for through
immigration and longevity of life. Thus it is quite conceivable that by the year
2012, close to 50% of Canada's population could be aged 50 and over.
The "over 55" age group is growing numbers 3 times faster than the population at
large.
There are more people over 65 than under 18 in Canada.
Psychologist, Gerontologist and Aging authority, Ken Dychtwald says: "Maturity is
about to undergo a revolution like nothing the world has ever seen."
Some churches assume that people in their 50 Plus years either are not interested,
or can't do much in the area of ministry. This assumption is totally wrong.
Ministry for the 50 Plus age group is more than setting up lunches, Bible studies,
and travel opportunities - that's just serving the over 50 crowd, not mobilizing
them for service.
There is an enormous ministry potential sitting in our pews, let's not miss it.
We've added years to life, now we must add life to those years! Psalms 90:12 states,
"Teach us to number (add significance) to our days."
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