Introduction

            Part I is divided into age cohorts, from 40s to 60s, 60s to 80s, and 80 plus years

old. In this portion, a literature review helps explain the aging process of the middle and

late adulthood stages.  Several factors are considered in this review, including physical,

psychological, and social adaptation to aging.

            Although there is no such thing as an "average older adult," this paper will use a

compilation of research data to create typography of older individuals in America for the

purpose of understanding the challenges and needs of older generations. Where

applicable, this paper will note the amount of variation from the mean on each category

to help the reader recognize that "you grow more unique as you age."

            In Part II, those aging challenges and needs will be addressed using the current

literature resources of Industrial Gerontology. Due to the need to increase enrollments in

Gerontology classes at Weber State University, and believing that Industrial Gerontology

holds the key, several areas of concern will be presented for preparing students to meet

the needs of the middle and older adulthood markets of the near future.