When I’m 64: How Boomers Will Change Health Care is a new report by the American Hospital Association that underscores how the wave of Baby Boomers will reshape the health care system forever.
The report reminds us there are 78 million Baby Boomers born between 1946 and 1964. Almost 11,000 of them turn 50 every day.
What caught my eye in the report was the discussion about chronic conditions: “Sixty-two percent of 50-to-64 year olds reported they had at least one of six chronic conditions (hypertension, high cholesterol, arthritis, diabetes, heart disease and cancer). Of Americans 65 and older, 80 percent have at least one chronic disease that requires ongoing care and management.
As Boomers age, the report says the number with multiple chronic conditions is expected to grow from almost 8.6 million today (about one of every 10 Boomers) to almost 37 million in 2030. By 2030, more than six of every 10 Boomers will be managing more than one chronic condition. And Boomers are not alone. The overall incidence of chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension is growing, and will continue to increase as future generations reach 65.
Diabetes
The number of Americans with diabetes is expected to rise from 30 million today to 46 million by 2030, when one of every four Boomers – 14 million – will be living with this chronic disease. Health Care Implication: These diabetic Boomers will require continuous medical management in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
Arthritis
The number of Americans with arthritis is expected to rise from 46 million today to 67 million by 2030. At that point, nearly one out of every two Boomers – or over 26 million – will be living with the condition. Health Care Implication: While the health risks of arthritis are not as great as other chronic illnesses, the decreased mobility arthritis can trigger will cause many Boomers to seek new alternative therapies, pain control treatments, exercise regimens and joint replacements.
Obesity
The incidence of obesity, a major risk factor for many diseases, also is on the rise and will further challenge the health care system. Obese patients cost Medicare about 34 percent more than those of normal weight. Obesity rates among Boomers will continue to grow over time. By 2030, more than one out of every three Boomers – over 21 million – will be considered obese, and obesity in the overall population will reach over 93 million. Health Care Implication: Boomers will require new weight-management techniques to help them manage the chronic health conditions associated with obesity as well as health care settings designed to meet the needs of obese patients.
Falls
Falls are the most common cause of injury to older adults. As Boomers live longer, remain more active and take multiple medications, the probability of trauma caused by falls inside and outside of the home will increase. More than one-third of adults 65 or older fall each year. Of those who fall, 20 to 30 percent suffer moderate to severe
injuries (such as hip fractures) that decrease mobility and independence. Almost 350,000
hip fractures occurred in 2000, a figure that is expected to double by the year 2050. Health Care Implication: The increasing incidence of falls means more emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations. Preventing and treating falls will become a
bigger challenge for health care providers.
The large number of Boomers with acute and chronic care needs will clearly challenge the nation’s health care system. In general, Boomers between the ages of 54 and 59 report having more chronic health conditions, pain, problems with alcohol and psychiatric problems than their parents reported having when they were the same age. Boomers will require more care, different types of care and better coordination of care.
Let’s hope our health care system is up to the challenge.
Division of Aging and Adult Services
Herb
Sanderson, Director
PO Box 1437 - Slot S-530
Little Rock AR 72203-1437
Telephone: (501) 682-2441
Fax: (501) 682-8155
