Healthy People 2010/2020: Addressing chronic diseases in the national health objectives

For the past century the life expectancy of Americans has been increasing. Longer life spans are generally considered desirable, particularly when healthy years of life are increased. However, with an aging population and longer life expectancy comes increasing total prevalence of chronic diseases and conditions associated with aging, such as disability and limitation of activity. The percentage of the population 75 years of age and over was 6% in 2006 and is projected to double by 2050. Chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, hypertension and diabetes are associated with aging, as is end-stage renal disease. Healthy People 2010 includes a number of objectives for the major chronic diseases and risk factors. This presentation will examine the results of progress towards the 2010 national mortality and morbidity targets for major chronic conditions, including heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and chronic kidney diseases. We will also examine trends for the primary risk factors for developing a chronic disease including smoking, nutrition and overweight, physical activity, and excessive alcohol consumption. Finally, we will discuss the approach to chronic diseases in the development of the Healthy People 2020 objectives scheduled to be released in early 2010.