BACKGROUND

Increasing elderly population
• By 2030, 20% of the population will be over 65. (about 71.5 million older adults)
•  80% of older adults have one or more chronic conditions that can be disabling.
•  20% of people over 65 and nearly 50% of people 85 or older need assistance with daily activities.
The John A. Hartford Foundation Institute of Geriatric Nursing

•  Lackawanna County demographics
–  Total population is 213,295
–  Population of 65 yrs and older is 41,542  
–  19.5% compared to 12.4% nationally
U.S. Census Bureau

Older adults:
–  Account for > 40% of total health care resources.
–  Comprise more than one third of hospital pts.
•  Fastest growing segment is 85 yrs and older, “the old-old”
–  “old-old” requiring medical services will double by 2030.
•  Changing demographics create stress on healthcare delivery systems.
US Administration on Aging

•  Moses Taylor Hospital patient population
–  59 % are 65 and older (FY 2005)
–  50 % are 70 and older (FY 2005) more >