National Aging Report Released
Cost to care for persons over 65 is three to five times the cost of younger persons according to The State of Aging and Health in America, a report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Merck Company Foundation during the Joint Conference of the American Society on Aging and the National Council on Aging March 2007 meeting.
The report contains data on the key health indicators for Americans over 65 years; including health status, health behaviors, preventive care and screening, and injuries. As the baby boomers age, the segment of the population over 65 is growing exponentially. By 2030, Americans older than 65 will comprise one-fifth of the U.S. population.
In order to anticipate the healthcare needs of the aging population, health promotion and preservation activities are paramount. The report calls for renewed efforts to reduce illness and improve functioning among this segment of the population. Healthcare spending may significantly increase secondary to this aging population if priorities in this population are not modified.
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March 12, 2007 Related topics: Trends, Gerontology