Download Chapter 2: The aging population

Chapter 2:
The Aging Population
Learning Objectives
• Review statistics related to aging in the
United States.
• Describe social and economic issues
related to aging in the United States.
• Discuss aging across different cultures.
• Recognize differences between aging in the
21st century and aging in the past.
• Critically evaluate successful aging.
Statistics of Aging in the United
States
• “The older population (65+) numbered 40.4
million in 2010. They represented 12.9% of U.S.
population”.
• “The older population in 2030 will be 72.1 million,
twice than 2000. Old people will outnumber young
people for the first time in history”.- the graying of
America
• Approximately 20,000 nursing homes in the U.S.
with 1.5 – 2 million nursing home beds.
Approximately 5% of the population age 65 & ^.
Real and Projected Numbers of
People 65+ in the US
Health: Reasons of increasing older
adults
• Increasing life expectancy of seniors
–
–
–
–
improved sanitation through the 20th century
advances in medical care
preventive health services implemented
medical advances treat formerly fatal illnesses
• Older adults dealing with more chronic
disease
– average 75 year old has 3 chronic diseases and
takes 5 medications
Gender
• As of 2010, 23 million older women vs. 17.5
million older men
• In 2010,
– 72% of older men were married
– 42% of older women were married
• Women age 75-84: 37% married
• Women age 85+: 15% married
Education
• Education affects older adults’
socioeconomic status: more educated have
better income, standard of living, and
health.
• High school graduation rates among older
adults in the U.S. have increased. Rates vary
among ethnic groups.
Sources of Income for Persons 65+
Living Arrangements
• Living arrangements of older adults are linked to
income, health status and the availability of
caregivers.
• 55.1% of non-institutionalized older adults lived
with their spouse in 2010
• The likelihood of living alone increases with age:
47% for women age 75+
• 485,000 grandparents age 65+ have primary
responsibility for their grandchildren.
• Fig. 2-3, page 34
Minorities
• Ethnic minority elders will be 42% of the
older population in the next 40 years.
• Health problems associated with aging
affect different ethnicities at different
rates.
• Access to health care varies for different
ethnicities.
• Other minorities include older foreign-born
people living in the U.S., veterans, the aging
disabled population, elderly inmates
African Americans
• The largest cultural minority.
• Poverty rate for older African Americans
was 24% in 2004, compared to 10% for the
total elderly population.
• Often do not use routine preventive
services at recommended rates and are less
likely to have a regular provider of health
care.
Hispanics
• The over 65 year old Hispanic population is
the fastest growing segment of the total
U.S. population.
• Diverse population from Mexico, Cuba,
Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and
other Central and South America.
• 72% of Hispanics age 60 or over live in
California, Florida, New York, and Texas.
• Generally receive assistance in the home
rather than to stay LTCF.
Asians and Pacific Islanders
• Composed of 40 different ethnic groups
with various economic, educational, and
health profiles.
• life expectancy : 79.3 years for males and
84.9 years for females, as compared to 73.6
and 80.1 for white males and females,
respectively.
American Indians/Alaskan
Natives
• 500 tribes and native villages in which 150
languages are used.
• Heart disease is the leading cause of death
due to a rise in risk factors (Obesity,
diabetes, smoking, hypertension, high
cholesterol, and sedentary lifestyle)
Other Minorities
• The older foreign-born population: Nurses
should explore whether patients are first
generation in their new country, second,
third, etc….
• U.S. Veterans
• Developmentally disabled
• Elderly prison inmates
Mortality and Morbidity
Mortality and Morbidity (cont’d)
• Most older adults in the U.S. are, by and large,
active and healthy.
• Leading causes of elderly death (2004)
–
–
–
–
–
–
Heart disease 30.4%
Cancer 22%
Stroke 7.4%
Chronic lower respiratory disease 6%
Alzheimer’s disease 3.7%
Diabeties, influenza/pneumonia, nepthritis, accidents, septicemia Less than 3.2% each
History of Aging in the U.S.
• Pre-1900:
– old age started at age 60
– elders were generally respected for their wisdom and
experience
– old age was usually a privilege of the rich; poor people
did not live to old age
• 1900s:
– President Theo. Roosevelt established old age as a
disability – 25% of the elderly was receiving military
pensions, which accounted for 43% of federal
expenditure
– President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Social Security
act in 1935
– Medicare and Medicaid established in 1965
Aging Today
• 55% of persons 85+ in the US are impaired and
require long-term care
• The majority of older adults are healthy, active,
and continue to be engaged in society after
retirement
• Aging in Place
– Is defined as the ability to live in one’s own home and
community safely, independently, and comfortably,
regardless of age, income, or ability level.
– Elders need better education on available services,
financial preparation for retirement, and proactive
measures to successfully age in place
Centenarians
• The fastest-growing segment of the
population
• Lower income
• Lower educational level
• Widowed (84%)
• More disabled people
Secrets of Aging
• Protective factors:
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
No smoking, no drinking and driving
Regular exercise
Moderate weight
Education
Low blood pressure
Stable marriage
Mature defenses
Secrets – What elders Say (Cont.)
•
•
•
•
•
•
Everything in moderation
Strong relationships
Ability to deal with stress
Fewer chronic diseases
Little to no alcohol intake
Always having something to look forward to
Successful Aging
• Successfully adapting to changes in the aging
process.
• Acceptance of death, life satisfaction, and
feelings of well-being.
• An avoidance of disease and disability.
• Achievement of a sense of autonomy, dignity,
and absence of suffering
Summary
• Aging of baby boomers will greatly impact
U.S. society.
• Health disparities will continue among
minority elderly groups.
• Successful aging is possible with wise
lifestyle choices and avoidance of risk
factors.
Question
The cohort that is expected to be the
largest consumers of healthcare in the
next three decades is known as the:
a)Baby boomers
b)Sandwich Generation
c)Generation X
d)War Generation
Question
The leading cause of death in the
elderly is:
a)Infectious disease
b)Cardiovascular disease
c)Cancer
d)Complication from falls