Senior Healthcare and the Rise of Chronic Illness
In 2019, over 54 million Americans were aged 65 and older. Even though life expectancy has greatly increased over the past few decades, millions of aging Americans live with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis.
To learn more, check out the infographic below, created by Maryville University’s MSN degree online and online bachelor’s in healthcare management (with its senior living management certificate) programs.
State of Senior Healthcare in the U.S.
American Seniors’ Demographics and Psychographics, 2019
In 2019, the states with the highest percentages of people aged 65 and older included Maine (21%), Florida (21%), West Virginia (20%), and Vermont (20%). American seniors’ median income was $27,398, though a large income gap existed between men ($36,921) and women ($21,815). The median household income was $36,200.
Life expectancy has significantly improved over the past few decades, with seniors aged 65 expected to live an additional 19.6 years as of 2019. Women were likely to live an additional 20.8 years, compared with 18.2 years for men.
About three-quarters (76%) of the senior population was white, followed by Hispanic (9%), African American (9%), Asian American (5%), American Indian and Alaska Native (0.6%), Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (0.1%), and two or more races (0.8%). However, senior racial and ethnic minority populations are projected to reach 27.7 million in 2040, compared with 12.9 million in 2019. While the white population over 65 will grow by 29% between 2019 and 2040, senior racial and ethnic minority populations will grow by 115%, including the Hispanic (161%), Asian American (102%), African American (80%), and American Indian and Alaska Native (67%) populations.
Health Challenges
Seniors face numerous health challenges. For example, drug-related deaths among seniors increased by 39% between 2014/16 and 2017/19, while suicide increased by 3% during the same period. Frequent mental distress among seniors increased by 11% between 2016 and 2019.
Seniors’ physical health is also lackluster. In 2019, only 23.1% of seniors met the federal physical activity guidelines and 31% of seniors in fair or better health were physically inactive.
Between 2015 and 2018, 41.9% of men and 45.9% of women aged 65-74 were obese. During the same period, 66.7% of men and 74.3% of women aged 65-74 were living with hypertension.
The share of seniors requiring nursing home care could increase from 1.2 million in 2017 to 1.9 million in 2030. Social Security and Medicare expenditures could also increase between 2019 and 2050, from 8.7% to 11.8% of gross domestic product.
Common Chronic Illnesses Among Seniors
Arthritis
Heart Disease
Cancer
Alzheimer’s Disease
Diabetes
Tips for Preventing Chronic Conditions
6 Health Tips for Seniors
To maintain good health, seniors should eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables and avoid high-fat, sugary, and processed foods. Exercising for just 30 minutes a day and quitting smoking are two other important keys to good health.
Seniors should visit the doctor for regular checkups and take preventive measures, such as screening for cancer. Knowing their family health histories and staying educated on the differences between normal aging and dementia could also help seniors reduce their risk of developing a chronic condition.
Career Spotlight: Geriatric Nurse Practitioner
Due to the demand for healthcare services from the aging population, geriatric nurse practitioners are expected to see strong growth over the next decade. Professionals in this healthcare role provide general medical care for older patients in a primary or specialty care setting.
A geriatric nurse practitioner’s job responsibilities may include tracking and recording patients’ symptoms and medical histories, conducting physical exams and providing diagnoses, performing and requesting diagnostic tests, and analyzing test results. These health practitioners also operate and monitor medical equipment, give patients medicine and treatment, consult with other healthcare professionals, and educate patients and their families on staying healthy and managing an illness or injury.
The position requires a master’s degree and has a median annual pay of $117,670.
Moving Toward a Healthier Future
Sources
Alzheimer’s Association, Causes and Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s Association, 10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s
Cancer and Aging Research Group, Advocacy
Cancer.gov, Risk Factors for Cancer
Cancer.gov, Symptoms of Cancer
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Heart Disease Facts
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Older Persons’ Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Risk Factors
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 6 Tips for Healthy Aging
Population Reference Bureau, Fact Sheet: Aging in the United States
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners