Demographic Trends of an Aging Society b Senior Citizens What do you think of getting older?What do you think of getting older? Why study gerontology?Why study gerontology? How will the aging population effect your job?How will the aging population effect your job?

Baby Boomers

Demographic Trends of an Aging Society Demographic Trends of an Aging Society b Baby Boom Generation: From 1996 on every seven seconds for the next 18 years, one American will turn 50 years of ageFrom 1996 on every seven seconds for the next 18 years, one American will turn 50 years of age Since 1990, the population of those older than 65 has increased by more than two million peopleSince 1990, the population of those older than 65 has increased by more than two million people By the year 2030, the population of those over 85 years of age is expected to triple in sizeBy the year 2030, the population of those over 85 years of age is expected to triple in size

What does old age imply to you? b In the 19th century what we thought to be old age, is today middle age. b Policy makers use the age of 65 in establishing policies for the elderly. b Young-old (65 or older and relatively healthy and financially independent) b Old-old (75 or older with limited activity or some type of disability)

b French: elder = and old-old = 85 + b Some biologists believe a person’s biological age is more important than the person’s chronological age especially when determining health status b There are advantages and disadvantages to turning 65 years old. Let’s discuss.

No right or wrong answers b Advantages b Disadvantages

Global Aging: b 1990 Statistics: China has the largest number of individuals over the age of 65, and the United States has the world’s 2nd largest number. b By the year 2030, the elder population in Canada and Japan will double, and in the United States it will increase by 90%.

Age and Gender: b Women live an average of 7 years longer than men. Reasons? b 1990 life expectancy: female = 79.3, and male = 72.6 b By the year 2020 there will be an increase: female = 81.8, male = 74.9

Race and Aging: b The baby boomer generation will be of greater racial and ethnic mix than any other generation that preceded it. b Besides the overall increase in the number of elders, there will be a more heterogeneous mix of ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

b Minority persons older than age 65 are growing in numbers at a faster rate than their counter parts. b Can you tell me why? b What does this mean to us as health professionals?

Marital Status and Age: b Women outlive men, so more widows than widowers. b Divorce population of the elderly is low, but will increase dramatically with the aging of the baby boom generation.

Economic Status: b Elderly sources of income: b 40% social security, 21% asset income, 19% private pensions, 17% earnings, 3% other b More varied than in any other age group. b Even though median income is low: they have greater tax advantages, usually mortgage paid off, and usually medicare insurance.

Health of the Elderly

Health Care: b Heart disease, cancer and stroke account for 7 out of 10 deaths among those older than 65. b Alzheimer’s disease accounts for the leading cause of cognitive impairment in the elderly. b The majority of elder persons have at least one chronic health condition.

b In a 1993 health status assessment, 72% of persons 65 and older claimed their health was good to excellent. b The elderly see a physician 8 times a year compared to 3 times for younger people. b They are hospitalized three times as often, and stay 50% longer in the hospital.

b Most health care dollars are spent toward the end of one’s life. b In 1987, 63% of health care expenditures for the elderly came from federally funded programs ( medicare, medicaid ). b Estimated that by 2025 nearly 2/3 of the US health care benefits will be devoted to services for the elderly.

Long-Term Care b In 1988, 6.9 million persons 65 and older required long-term care. In 2040 it is estimated to be three times higher. b Elderly who find themselves in long-term care facilities, will use up their life saving within one year.

So what does this mean to us? b Home health care is increasing: hospice, visiting nurses, PT, mobile x-ray b We will need to become more productive and efficient in the delivery of services in alternative settings b AND, we will need to be cognitive of the diversity within the elderly population