It’s no secret that we are active in Colorado—and I love to brag about it. You hear us talk about how smart and healthy our workforce is. And, we know that active bodies help our minds work even better and breed innovation.
You know all this. But here’s some cool news—that active mindset is keeping us below our average actual age. Um, yeah. Someone let Ponce de León know we found the fountain of youth and it’s in Colorado. Yes, if you can believe it, there is an organization that has tracked the cities where you can defy aging. And, it may not surprise you that we clock in at fifth, largely because we’re so active.
It’s estimated that by 2022, the median age of the labor force will be almost 43 years old. And, those who are 55 and older will make up 25.6 percent of the labor force—an increase of almost 5 percent from 2012. So anything that drives that age down means less costly health care, more productivity and less absenteeism.
Even our retirees are healthy. The Colorado Health Foundation gave our state a B+ for health aging in its Colorado Health Report Card. There, too, so much of this success comes down to remaining active throughout our lives.
Being healthy is about more than just physical health—mental health and emotional health matter, too. We focus on supporting nonprofits that serve our mental health needs and one of those is The Denver Hospice, which delivers care at a time in our families’ lives when support and grace are needed more than ever.
This year, I was invited to create a mask for The Denver Hospice’s Mask Project—an art auction for the hospice that features custom masks created by celebrities, athletes, artists and members of the community.
I am much more an appreciator of art than an artist myself, but luckily I had an incredible artist to help me: my mom. She created the perfect mask—a combination of physical and mental benefits of being a cyclist. And like any great artist she captured the essence of why I ride: the seamless connection between man and nature, and the absolute beauty of Colorado.
I was so moved by what she created. Mine and the hundreds of other unique masks are on display at the Cherry Creek Shopping Center through Oct. 5. You can also view the masks at themaskproject.org, and if you see one you like, your bid benefits The Denver Hospice. Please support this great organization.
And, keep keeping yourself healthy and strong. Our economy is depending on it.
Kelly Brough is president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.
[Photo credit: Lacey Raper]