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Implications of an Aging Population for Long-term Care
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13867 |
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Section : |
MODERN THOUGHT
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| Issue
Date : |
12 / 1988 |
3,879 Words |
| Author
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Judith D. Kasper
Judith D. Kasper is assistant professor in the Department of
Health Policy and Management of Johns Hopkins University and
associate director of the Commonwealth Fund Commission on
Elderly People Living Alone. |
As more people live into their 70s, 80s, and beyond, the tremendous variations in health and vigor within the elderly population are becoming clear. Many of the elderly continue to lead active, vigorous lives, exemplifying aging at its most positive. But 5 percent of the elderly reside in nursing homes, and the proportion rises to 20 percent among those 85 years of age or older. And for every nursing home resident, it is estimated that four elderly people in the community are receiving long-term care from family and friends or professionals.
Elderly people use the bulk of long-term care, both of nursing home care and care provided to those living in the community. One in five Americans will be 65 or older 40 years from now. The sheer increase in numbers of elderly people could mean a substantial increase in the numbers needing long-term care, even if the percentage of people needing assistance remains stable. In addition, the composition of the elderly population is changing in ways that are likely to affect the need for long-term care. By the year 2000, one out of every two elderly people will be 75 or older, indicating a shift within the elderly population toward the older ages. This is the group most vulnerable to the physical and cognitive problems that often require long-term care.
Though the long-term care population represents less than a quarter of the elderly, the specter of frailty and decline leading to admission to a nursing home or dependence on others for help with routine daily tasks haunts older Americans, their children, and their grandchildren. Polls indicate elderly people worry about becoming a burden to their children. In addition, most adult Americans feel the costs of long-term care are beyond their means.
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