Preparing for the elder boom: The future of mental health and aging policy

There are an estimated 35 million people age 65 or older in the United States. Older adults are now among the fastest growing segment of our population. In 2011, the first group of baby boomers will turn 65, and by 2030, nearly 20% of the population is expected to be 65 or older. An estimated 20% of older adults in the United States experience a mental disorder that is not a normal part of aging. These disorders can have significant physical and psychological consequences, including increased physical illness and disease; delayed recovery; poorer health outcomes; reduced functional ability; increased disability; and mortality, including from suicide. Growth in the aging population coupled with increasing mental and behavioral health concerns provides a variety of important challenges and opportunities for families, caregivers, the public healthcare system, and policymakers. This presentation highlights recent and ongoing federal mental health and aging policy initiatives, including efforts to increase access to mental and behavioral health care; create comprehensive federal protections against elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation; provide support for the needs of family caregivers; and develop a strong infrastructure to train the next generation of geriatric health care professionals. Strategies for successful public health and aging advocacy will be shared along with examples of recent successes, including the White House Conference on Aging and the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act. In addition, opportunities for public health professionals to inform the public health and aging policy debate at the local, state, and federal level will be highlighted.