As Baby Boomers Age

Information for the press release was acquired at http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/05/28/senior-citizens-health-care-report/2354635/.  (“Senior health care crisis looms; report ranks states”)

Baby Boomers are now becoming senior citizens.  As they do, a strain is going to be placed on the health care system.  On average, they may live longer than previous generations, however, they are also more likely to be obese and have diabetes and other chronic diseases. 

A few months ago, the United Health Foundation released, “America’s Health Rankings Senior Report.”  Based on 34 measures of senior health, including obesity, drug coverage, physical inactivity and more, the report analyzed seniors’ health status.

This report states that one in eight Americans is now 65 or older (about 40.3 million people).  By 2030, the year by which all Baby Boomers will have turned at least 65, those numbers will increase to one in five (72.1 million people).  By 2030, it is anticipated that 8.7 million Americans will be 85 or older.

Out of every 10 seniors, about eight have one or more chronic health issues.  Fifty-percent have two or more conditions.  Obesity, diabetes, heart disease and arthritis will bring about huge numbers of disabled seniors.  Adults 65 and older spend two to five times more on healthcare than younger adults.

It is hoped that this report will serve as a warning about the impending economic consequences.  “The report offers ‘an important set of messages ... for personal focus, family and community focus, and a heads-up to the providers, and a real heads-up to policy makers,’ said Jennie Chin Hansen, CEO of the American Geriatrics Society and author of one of several commentaries in the report.”

The report revealed how each State is ranked based on a variety of issues, “including a large number of seniors who report being in very good or excellent health, high rates of creditable drug coverage, relatively high availability of home health care workers, as well as a low rate of seniors at risk of going hungry and a low rate of hospitalization for hip fractures…”

Using these factors, Minnesota has the best record while Mississippi has the worst.  However, these figures don’t provide the full picture, because Minnesota also has a high rate of chronic drinkers, and the State provides little assistance to older adults in poverty.  And while Mississippi ranked lowest on the factors in the previous paragraph, they also have a much smaller number of chronic drinking and a high rate of flu vaccination.

The senior population is expected to grow 46% between 2015 and 2030.  Arizona expects the largest increase in the number of seniors by 2030, with a whopping 101% anticipated increase of seniors.  The report covered each State’s obesity rates, the number of seniors living at or below the poverty level, the percentage of seniors with chronic diseases and much more.

If you’re interested in reading the entire report, visit the link at the top of this PR.  As a Baby Boomer myself, being over 65, I found this report to be both interesting and frightening.  What are your thoughts on this topic?

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