Nearly 56 million Americans are 65 and older, with projections estimating that the population of older adults will grow to 94.7 million in 2060. On average, a 65-year old can expect to live another 17 years. For most older adults, good health ensures independence, security, and productivity as they age. Unfortunately, millions struggle every day with challenges such as
chronic diseases, falls, physical inactivity, oral health concerns, and behavioral health issues, all of which can severely impact quality of life.
Older adults are disproportionately affected by chronic conditions, such as diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease. Nearly 95% percent have at least one chronic condition, and nearly 80% of adults have two or more chronic conditions. The leading causes of death among older adults in the U.S. are heart disease, cancer, COVID-19, stroke, chronic lower respiratory diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes. Multiple chronic diseases account for two-thirds of all health care costs and 93% of Medicare spending. Yet, less than 3% of U.S. health care dollars is spent on prevention to improve overall health.
More than one out of four older adults falls each year. Three million adults 65+ are treated in emergency departments for unintentional fall injuries each year. As a result of falls, every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room; every 19 minutes, an older adult dies. Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults, causing hip fractures, head trauma, and death. Older adults are hospitalized for fall-related injuries five times more often than for injuries from other causes.
The nation spends $50 billion a year treating older adults for the effects of falls, 75% of which is paid for by Medicare and Medicaid. If falls rates are not reduced, direct treatment costs are projected to reach $101 billion by 2030.
Regular exercise can help older adults stay independent and prevent many health problems that come with age. According to the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, older adults should do two types of physical activities each week to improve their health aerobic and muscle strengthening. A 2014 study found that 28% of adults aged 50 and over surveyed reported no
physical activity, aside from their regular job.
These guidelines recommend that older adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate- intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity a week and muscle strengthening activities on two or more days a week. Oral health is important for overall health and well-being, but 35% of older adults have not seen a dentist in the last year. About 17% of older adults no longer have any natural teeth. Of those with teeth, about 16% of older adults have untreated tooth decay, and over 70% have periodontal
(gum) disease. Poor oral health can negatively impact chronic conditions.
One in four older adults experiences behavioral health problems such as depression, anxiety, or substance abuse. These problems can complicate the treatment of other medical conditions,reduce quality of life, increase use of health care services, and lead to premature death. In 2020, nearly 14,500 people 60+ died by suicide. Men aged 85+ have a suicide rate that is about four times higher than the rate for all ages.
Nearly nine in 10 deaths from COVID are among people 65 and over, and 70-85% of seasonal flu-related deaths occur in older adults, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While lifesaving vaccines are available, research shows COVID vaccine uptake has slowed among older adults.
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) Center for Healthy Aging believe that every person has a right to age well and focuses on improving the lives of older adults by producing solutions that address social and behavioral determinants of health and wellbeing. NCOA promotes physical activity, behavioral health, and other evidence-based programs. Article courtesy of National Council on Aging.