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. Between 2000 and
2010, the 65+ population in the United States is expected to continue to grow at a rate twice
that of the general population. And by 2030, 1 in every 4 individuals
will be over age 65!
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In New
York State, the most rapid growth between 2000 and 2015 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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1 in 10
people over the age of 65, and 1 in 2 over the age of 85, will develop
Alzheimer’s Disease.
Major health insurance providers are already imposing double-digit increases
in annual premiums in anticipation of escalating utilization rates due to
the influx of 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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