The
full weight of the post-World War II baby boom is beginning to settle onto
America's demographic landscape. According to the National Center for Health
Statistics, the number of U.S. residents 65 and older will double by 2030
to more than 70 million.
Thanks in part to two decades of reduced mortality rates among those 65 to 84, a person born in 2001 could expect to live 77.2 years, about 30 years longer than someone born in 1900, says the Administration on Aging. Moreover, persons turning 65 in 2001 could expect to live to 83 -- an additional 18 years. Acknowledging FPs' key role in caring for these patients, the AAFP has selected "Caring for America's Aging Population" as its 2004 Annual Clinical Focus topic. The Academy received members' input about areas in which they'd like more information. This FP Report Special Section takes a look at some of those areas.
FP Report is published by the
AAFP News Department.
Copyright © 2004 by
American Academy of Family Physicians.