The Problem
Senior
Citizens are the Fastest-growing Population Segment in the United States
The face of
America is changing. Increasingly, we are becoming a nation of elders. 77
million baby boomers will begin to “come of age” in 2010 ~ a virtual tidal
wave of older persons. In Steuben County, the impact on individuals, families, taxpayers, and
the entire health care system will be staggering.
Some
startling statistics about our aging population
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Currently,
1 in every 8 individuals in the US is over age 65. The elderly
population will more than double between 2000 and 2030. By 2030, 1 in
every 4 individuals will be over age 65.
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In New York State, the growth rate of those
under 60 years of age will be only 3%, while the rate for those over 60
will be 40%. The most rapid growth is projected to occur among the
oldest and most frail population groups – a rate of 28.2% for those over
85 and 16% for impaired individuals. Almost 60% will need assistance
with daily living.
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In Steuben County, the population
projections are even more dramatic. The percentage of people over age 85
is expected to increase by 54% between the years 2000 and 2015.
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As many as 40% of those over age 65 will have nutrition-related health
problems requiring treatment or management.
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10% of
people over the age of 65 and will develop Alzheimer’s Disease. 50% of
those over the age of 85 will develop this disease.
Aging baby boomers will begin to impact the geriatric health and long-term
care system as early as 2010. Major health insurance providers are already
imposing double-digit increases in annual premiums in anticipation of
escalating utilization rates due to the influx of the baby boomers.
This is a problem now!
So imagine the scope of the problem in the next 10-15 years as
aging baby boomers
flood the ranks of our seniors and begin to access geriatric health care.
View our video "Endow
Their Future... and Yours" on YouTube.
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