Hcs 490 - Aging Population

Aging population

Christine Krebs

HCS/490

January 15, 2012

Eric Longino

The aging population is one of the most serious demographics in healthcare that weighs on the future of health care. Baby boomers and elderly, over 50, are growing disproportionately to that of other demographics such as births. There is concern for doctors and health care coverage for the upcoming health situation that the longer living demographics pose.

There is significant Data regarding the population demographics of the aging population.

According to the U.S. census bureau, in 1930, the United States population in regard to the seniors was seven million, about 5.4% of the population. In 2011 the amount of seniors raised to 77 million, eleven times the amount since 1930. In 2010, seven states had a population of 40 or older. In 2012, it is expected that the 50 year olds will reach 100 million. As one can see, the facts suggest that the aging population of America will have definite impact on the marketing and health care trends of the future.

The major health problems that related to this segment of the population include cardiac disease, cancer, dementia, and other chronic illness such as arthritis. Due to the major advancements in cancer and dementia, there may be nothing stopping this population growth in the future. Major advancements in preventative health care add to this phenomenon, without the mortality factors built in to disease.

Let us explore the impact that the aging population will have on the health care market

The chronic diseases such as cardiac, cancer and dementia will be major concerns for the aging population. Physicians will consider entering these fields in the future, considering that there is drastic shortage in these fields. It is fact that the geriatric fields of medicine will outnumber pediatrics.

The oldest of old, 85 and older, are gaining on all the geriatric age groups. Marketing to these groups will be different than the marketing their grandparents received. Gone are the days of shuffleboard, smoking and drinking until one dies. Older people are more fitness conscious than ever. Yoga, power walking, health and exercise are the new marketing targets for the older population of the future. According to a survey by Del Webb, many retirees plan on working from their home after they retire. This will require high speed internet in their home office. 40 percent of these aging baby boomers already have this in their home.

Chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer contribute to 48% of the mortality of the aging population. Collectively, these diseases have been reduced by 6% in just the past few years. Long term health care will be the trend. Older age homes that require 24 hour care will be in need. The center for Medicare and Medicaid will have to manage the funds to pay for the retired aging population. The center for disease control, the Administration on aging, and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid will work closely together to address the issues.

Why will this change the type of health care that will be required? The elderly will live longer with chronic diseases.

Another market to address is the issue of gender. Women do in fact live longer than men, and that will continue to be the case in the future. It is predicted