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How the Aging Population is Shaping the Future for Belden Employees

Healthcare Provider Update: Belden offers health, dental, and vision insurance, along with life and disability coverage. Employees benefit from a 401(k) retirement plan, stock purchase options, and paid time off. The company promotes a culture of inclusion and community engagement, with wellness programs and education assistance available. Beldens total rewards program is designed to support employees physical, financial, and emotional well-being3. Belden With ACA premiums projected to rise sharply in 2026, Beldens comprehensive benefits and inclusive culture help employees avoid the financial strain of marketplace plans. The companys emphasis on preventive care and wellness education further reduces long-term healthcare costs. Click here to learn more

In the contemporary United States, a significant transformation is occurring, driven largely by the increasing influence and presence of older Americans. This demographic shift is profoundly impacting Belden employees as well as various sectors of the economy, culture, society, and politics, reshaping the nation in multifaceted ways.

Older Americans, those at midlife and beyond, constitute what can be considered the third-largest economy globally, trailing only behind China and the U.S. as a whole. This group's influence extends beyond mere consumerism and wealth holding; they are integral as workers, thinkers, influencers, and innovators, wielding considerable power to shape markets and exert influence over corporations and political leaders.

As we advance in age, it becomes increasingly imperative to advocate for a society that is better equipped to meet the needs of older citizens. The impact of this demographic is evident across various Belden sectors, from employment and healthcare to leisure and financial planning.

Belden Workplace Dynamics and Older Americans

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 117 percent increase in workers aged 65 and older over the last 20 years, with a similar rise in employment among those 75 and older. This trend signifies a growing integration of older workers into the workforce, challenging traditional notions of retirement.

Janine Vanderburg, a senior strategist for Changing the Narrative, highlights the increasing demand from employers to understand how to integrate older workers effectively. This shift is partly driven by the necessity to fill approximately 10 million vacant jobs in America. Older workers' preferences, such as remote work and part-time opportunities, are influencing workplace flexibility.

Companies like Principal and Jackson Hewitt are pioneering programs to accommodate the unique needs of older workers. Principal offers a phased retirement program, and Jackson Hewitt actively recruits retirees, particularly valuing their client interaction skills. Additionally, 'returnships' have emerged as a means to reintegrate individuals who have been out of the workforce, with companies like Trimble partnering with nonprofits like Path Forward to offer these programs.

Health and Wellness Industry

The health-conscious older population has significantly influenced the U.S. health and wellness industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare spending is the only broad category that increases with age. In 2021, boomer households spent an average of $6,600 on healthcare, with older households spending $7,050, in contrast to significantly lower spending by millennials.

Major corporations such as Amazon, Walmart, and Target are investing heavily in health services and products, catering to this demographic. Amazon's acquisition of One Medical and the expansion of Walmart Health in-store clinics exemplify this trend. Additionally, CVS's MinuteClinics and the John A. Hartford Foundation's initiative focusing on age-friendly care indicate a broader industry movement towards addressing the specific medical needs of older adults.

Financial Services and Belden Retirement Planning

The landscape of retirement savings has evolved considerably, with Americans holding about $18 trillion in IRAs and 401(k) accounts as of last year, a more than threefold increase since 2005. Financial institutions are responding with new products and services tailored to the needs of older Americans.

Companies are focusing on products like annuities and partnerships that simplify navigating various financial coverage areas, such as Citi's collaboration with Covr Financial Technologies. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on financial advice methodologies that cater to the unique requirements of drawing down wealth during retirement.

Fitness and Leisure

The fitness revolution has been transformed by older adults who refuse to accept limitations on physical activity due to age. The popularity of sports like pickleball and the significant participation of older adults in events like the National Senior Games highlight this trend. Fitness equipment and programs are increasingly being designed with the needs of older adults in mind, including low-impact workout options and specialized personal training certifications.

Travel Industry

Older Americans are the leading demographic in travel spending, with significant implications for the travel industry. The AARP '2023 Travel Trends' study found that

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Americans aged 60 to 69 are the highest travel spenders, planning to spend an average of $7,300 this year. This spending pattern surpasses that of younger age groups by approximately 30 percent. The concept of 'bucket list' travel has grown in popularity, with a significant portion of older travelers seeking unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. This trend is illustrated by the growth of programs like Smithsonian Journeys, which cater to an older demographic seeking high-end, authentic travel experiences.

Entertainment and Media

Older audiences are also reshaping the entertainment and media landscape. AARP's commissioned Comscore box office study reveals that older moviegoers are returning to theaters at rates surpassing pre-pandemic levels, influencing box office successes. Films like 'Top Gun: Maverick' and 'Elvis' drew significant portions of their audience from this demographic. In the music industry, legacy acts such as Elton John and Bruce Springsteen continue to dominate concert sales, appealing largely to older audiences.

Streaming platforms have also seen an increase in viewership among those over 50, accounting for a significant portion of watch time. This shift is influencing network and streaming content, with shows like 'Only Murders in the Building' and 'The Crown' resonating with an older demographic.

Politics and Advocacy

In politics, older voters are increasingly becoming decisive. AARP's post-election survey indicated that 61 percent of ballots cast in the closest races for the U.S. House of Representatives were by voters aged 50 and above. This demographic's growing impatience with issues such as healthcare costs has led to legislative actions like the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes provisions for Medicare drug price negotiations and caps on out-of-pocket prescription costs.

Health Care and Aging

Federal and state-level initiatives are increasingly focused on addressing the needs of an aging population. This includes efforts to support family caregivers and to develop strategies for memory care and Alzheimer's disease. The scale of home health care is expanding, with programs like NYU Langone's Home Hospital Program providing hospital-level treatment in the comfort of patients' homes.

Financial Security and Protection

To protect older Americans' financial interests, government agencies and financial regulators have initiated programs like 'Money Smart for Older Adults' and FINRA's Rule 2165 to prevent financial exploitation. These initiatives aim to safeguard the financial assets of older individuals, many of whom rely heavily on Social Security for their income.

Conclusion

In conclusion, older Americans are playing a pivotal role in shaping various aspects of American life. From altering Belden workplace dynamics and influencing the health care industry to impacting financial services and transforming leisure and entertainment choices, their contributions and needs are driving significant changes across multiple sectors. As this demographic continues to grow, their influence is set to further reshape the American economy and society, necessitating a continued focus on developing services and policies that cater to their unique needs and preferences.

What is the primary purpose of Belden's 401(k) Savings Plan?

The primary purpose of Belden's 401(k) Savings Plan is to help employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their salary on a tax-deferred basis.

How can employees enroll in Belden's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can enroll in Belden's 401(k) Savings Plan by accessing the benefits portal or contacting the HR department for guidance on the enrollment process.

What types of contributions can employees make to Belden's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can make pre-tax contributions, Roth (after-tax) contributions, and may also be eligible for employer matching contributions in Belden's 401(k) Savings Plan.

Is there a company match for contributions made to Belden's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, Belden offers a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which helps employees increase their retirement savings.

What is the vesting schedule for employer contributions in Belden's 401(k) Savings Plan?

The vesting schedule for employer contributions in Belden's 401(k) Savings Plan typically follows a graded vesting schedule, which means employees earn ownership of the contributions over a specified period.

Can employees change their contribution percentage at Belden?

Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage to Belden's 401(k) Savings Plan at any time, usually through the benefits portal or by contacting HR.

What investment options are available in Belden's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Belden's 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.

At what age can employees begin to withdraw from Belden's 401(k) Savings Plan without penalties?

Employees can begin to withdraw from Belden's 401(k) Savings Plan without penalties at age 59½, provided they meet other plan requirements.

What happens to an employee's 401(k) balance if they leave Belden?

If an employee leaves Belden, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account, withdraw the funds, or leave the balance in the plan if allowed.

Does Belden's 401(k) Savings Plan allow loans against the account?

Yes, Belden's 401(k) Savings Plan may allow employees to take loans against their account balance, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan documents.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

In 2024, Belden announced a significant restructuring plan, which includes layoffs and the consolidation of some manufacturing operations. The company is aiming to streamline its operations and reduce costs amid challenging market conditions. This restructuring involves a substantial reduction in workforce, with a focus on optimizing production and supply chain processes.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Belden at 1 North Brentwood Blvd St. Louis, MO 63105; or by calling them at +1 314-854-8000.