Americas over-65 population will nearly triple between 1980 and 2030 as a result of the aging Baby Boomers (babies born after 1945 wars end), adding new demands and challenges on an already stressed-out health system, according to a new report released today by First Consulting Group.
The first Boomers will turn 65 in 2011. According to the report’s authors, more than 37 million of them (60 per cent) will be managing more than one chronic condition by 2030. For instance:
As patients live with multiple chronic diseases, demand for services will increase:
At the same time, the number of registered nurses, primary care and specialty physicians will not keep pace with demand. As the Boomer generation is more racially and ethnically diverse, there will also be a greater need for caregivers who reflect the diversity of this population.
However, with changing expectations and new technology, care delivery will also change. Procedures like minimally invasive surgery, new imaging techniques that “see” through the skin, and remote care technologies will improve the quality of many Boomers’ lives allowing them new opportunities.
Source: Baby Boomers to Challenge and Change Tomorrow’s Health Care System, American Hospital Association, May 8, 2007.
For text: http://www.aha.org/aha/press-release/2007/070508-pr-boomers.html
For report: http://www.aha.org/aha/content/2007/pdf/070508-boomerreport.pdf
For more on Health Issues: http://www.ncpa.org/sub/dpd/index.php?Article_Category=16
FMF Policy Bulletin/ 15 May 2007
