| The State of Aging and Health in America Report 2007
The Center for Disease Control, March 2007, online edition, 46p
The aging of the population is one of the major public health challenges both in the United States and other regions of the world. Improved medical care and prevention efforts have contributed to dramatic increases in life expectancy over the past century. They also have produced a major shift in the leading causes of death for all age groups, including older adults, from infectious diseases and acute illnesses to chronic diseases and degenerative illnesses. Currently, about 80% of older Americans are living with at least one chronic condition. The cost of providing health care for an older American is three to five times greater than the cost for someone younger than 65. As a result, by 2030, the nation’s health care spending is projected to increase by 25% due to demographic shifts. The “State of Aging” reports are supported by the Merck Company Foundation and produced with various partner organizations that are recognized as leaders in the aging field.
Go to the report at: http://www.cdc.gov/Aging/pdf/saha_2007.pdf
H9/03-07 Posted May 03/07
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