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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Y.K. Gary Chu, OD, FAAO and Susan Rost Monahan, OD, FAAO. Department of Community Care and Public Health, New England College of Optometry, 1255 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02215, 617-236-6313, chu@ne-optometry.edu
The population in the U.S. is aging and will continue to grow in the coming years. People age 65 years and older currently represent 12.8% of the U.S. population and this percentage is expected to double by the year 2030. The frail elderly within this group (85 years old and above) are living longer and with this shift in demographics, the onset of age-related disabilities will define the environment for this group. This trend also indicates the need for more allocation of resources to maintain the health and vitality of this cohort. The advances in medical research are a major contributor to the “graying of America.” Currently, the philosophy of medicine is to increase an individual’s well being by extending the quantity of life years. Scientific and technological breakthroughs have fulfilled this vision but it has failed to acknowledge an elder’s view of life. Quality of life becomes the main focus as well as quantity of life. Sensory function is an essential part of quality of life and vision is one of these vital components. Visual impairment in the elderly has been shown to result in functional limitations and secondary illness. What new policies have been instituted during the past decades to address this issue? This presentation will highlight the current health policies around geriatric eye care and direct the audience to realize this public health problem.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Elderly, Vision Care
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.