Throughout the United States and the world people are living longer, which is a phenomenon that is most commonly referred to as the "global aging" of the population. In this country alone, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 35 million Americans are age 65 and older. In less than 50 years, the number of people age 65 and over is expected to double, and the number of people age 85 and over is expected to triple. The growing number of elderly Americans will present numerous challenges for our public health system. Some of these challenges include, but are not limited to: · detecting, diagnosing, and managing diseases and disabilities in their early stages; · providing appropriate community-based long term care services; · promoting healthy life styles; · eliminating health care service disparities among ethnic minorities; and · providing culturally sensitive services to our emerging, diverse, elderly population.
Along with these challenges, the increasing longevity of our population will also provide many opportunities for the public health system, such as examining the various factors that affect the aging process and designing health policies that deal more effectively with issues related to longevity. This also should include policies that consider what the potential elderly persons have to contribute to our communities. While longevity will no doubt come at a cost, the importance of attaining an enhanced quality of life for our elderly population should not have any dollar value attached to it.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.