Nearly 58 million Americans are 65 and older, with projections estimating that the population of older adults will grow to 88.8 million in 2060. On average, a 65-year-old can expect to live another 18.9 years.
For most of us, good health ensures independence, security, and productivity as we age. Yet millions of older adults are living with such challenges as chronic diseases, falls, physical inactivity, oral health concerns, and behavioral health issues—all of which can severely impact quality of life.
Chronic diseases
Older adults are disproportionately affected by chronic conditions, such as diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease. Nearly 95% have at least one chronic condition, and nearly 80% of have two or more.
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.
Chronic diseases can limit a person’s ability to perform daily activities, cause them to lose their independence, and result in the need for institutional care, in-home caregivers, or other long-term services and supports.
It is estimated that 27% of the U.S. adult population has multiple chronic conditions, which cost the American health care system over $1 trillion each year.6 Yet less than 3% of U.S. health care dollars is spent on prevention to improve overall health.
Falls
One out of four older adults falls each year.
3 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 death rate from older adult falls is increasing; the age-adjusted death rate rose from 55.3 per 100,000 older adults in 2012 to 78.0 per 100,000 older adults in 2021.
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.11 If falls rates are not reduced, direct treatment costs are projected to reach $101 billion by 2030.
Fear of falling can lead older adults to limit their activities, which can result in more falls, further physical decline, depression, and social isolation.
Physical activity
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.
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.
In 2019 only 23.1% of adults age 65+ met the physical activity guidelines outlined above.
Oral health
Oral health is important for overall health and well-being, but in 2022, 36.3% of older adults had not seen a dentist in the last year.
Older adults with diabetes, heart disease, and in poor health were less likely to have had a dental visit in the past year.
About 13.2% of older adults have complete tooth loss.
One in five adults age 65+ has untreated dental caries (cavities).
Poor oral health can negatively impact nutrition and proper management of chronic conditions.
Behavioral health
One in four older adults experiences a behavioral health problem 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.
People age 85+ have the highest rates of suicide compared to any other age group. Men die by suicide four times more often than women.20
Deaths caused by excessive alcohol use are on the rise; in 2020, over 11,000 adults age 65+ died from alcohol-induced causes.
Depression and other behavioral health problems are not a normal part of aging and can be treated. Despite the availability of effective interventions, 66% of older adults are not receiving the care they need.
Infectious disease prevention
As of August 2024, 76.3% of all deaths from COVID-19 were among those age 65+, and 70-85% of seasonal flu-related deaths occur in adults age 65+, 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.
New research shows that older adults may be at a higher risk of Long COVID, a post-COVID condition in which virus symptoms persist, return or develop. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), possible risk factors include older age and preexisting health conditions.
Consider The Top-Rated Home Care Agency in North Carolina
Aroga Home Care Services is your go to 5-star rated private duty skilled caregiver agency in the greater Charlotte area. Contact us today and request a professional home care adviser consultation. www.ArogaHomeCare.com or call 704-319-5500
Content Credits: National Council on Aging