Michigan State to Study Effects of Baby Boomer Population

This year Michigan State University will launch a universitywide study, called the The Family Research Initiative, to demonstrate and analyze how the aging of the baby boomer generation will affect Michigan families.

The Family Research Initiative is intended to be a leading interdisciplinary national research program. Researchers from many different colleges will be hired by the university to conduct studies on Michigan's citizens who are growing older. Their research will cover topics related to the family like medical care, good nutrition, and family support.

The director of the research project Janet Bokemeier argues that because the number of U.S. residents 65 years old and older will be doubling in 50 years, the study of aging, or gerontology, is very critical.

While the number of citizens 65 years old and older was 22 million in the year 2000, it is expected to increase to 48 million in the year 2050. The increase of elderly people will certainly put a strain on the U.S. in terms of health issues, political issues, community, and social issues.

The research project was first proposed in 2005. The university has spent a great deal of time planning the project since then and finding what specific areas need to be focused on. Over the past six years, Michigan State University has already been awarded over $68 million in grants for family related research conducted by 120 faculty members. The Family Research Initiative is planning to highlight and expand on these existing research areas.

Bokemeier explains that over the next two years the university will higher 10 to 15 new faculty members to support the Family Research Initiative with research and focus on matters related to aging. Next year, the Family Research Initiative will decide on a second area to focus on.