The Aging Population
The Aging Population: Baby Boomers
Carolyn A. Bounds
HCS/490
January 8, 2014
Dr. Michael O. Minor
Aging Population: Baby Boomers After 16 years of war and depression, World War II ended in 1945, and more babies were born between 1946 and 1964 (78 million) than ever before and never since, which gave way to the name “baby booms”. The first stage of the boom occurred during 1945-1950, and the second was from mid 1950-1964. Financial advantages turned out to be plentiful after the war; and this generation of baby boomers became known as the “Me Generation” (Gigante, 2010). In terms of aspirations, accomplishments, and lifestyles the boomers excelled over earlier generations. Higher education became a priority for this generation; women began to achieve equality in the workforce, which opened doors to specialized skills, and decision-making positions (Williamson, 2008). As of 2011, the oldest of the boomers have reached retirement age (Gigante, 2010). With Americans turning age 50 every 7.5 seconds, by the year 2015, baby boomers will represent 45% ced of the United States population. By the year 2030, one in five Americans will be age 65 or over, and the demand for medical care for the boomers will spill over for the next twenty years. 60% of adults age 50 - 64 have at least one chronic disease, and adults over age 65 - 85 could be diagnosed with more than one (Huffington, 2013). Hospitals, clinics, care centers, and insurance providers are working on plans for the expected increase in medical services for the aging baby boomers. With 60% of the boomers having one or more chronic disease that require regular healthcare visits. By year 2030, 28% of the U.S. population will be elderly, and additional healthcare personnel would be needed to assist with patient care and medications, patient education, and guidance in developing lifestyle changes. Future demands for medical careers in chiropractic, alternative, holistic
Carolyn A. Bounds
HCS/490
January 8, 2014
Dr. Michael O. Minor
Aging Population: Baby Boomers After 16 years of war and depression, World War II ended in 1945, and more babies were born between 1946 and 1964 (78 million) than ever before and never since, which gave way to the name “baby booms”. The first stage of the boom occurred during 1945-1950, and the second was from mid 1950-1964. Financial advantages turned out to be plentiful after the war; and this generation of baby boomers became known as the “Me Generation” (Gigante, 2010). In terms of aspirations, accomplishments, and lifestyles the boomers excelled over earlier generations. Higher education became a priority for this generation; women began to achieve equality in the workforce, which opened doors to specialized skills, and decision-making positions (Williamson, 2008). As of 2011, the oldest of the boomers have reached retirement age (Gigante, 2010). With Americans turning age 50 every 7.5 seconds, by the year 2015, baby boomers will represent 45% ced of the United States population. By the year 2030, one in five Americans will be age 65 or over, and the demand for medical care for the boomers will spill over for the next twenty years. 60% of adults age 50 - 64 have at least one chronic disease, and adults over age 65 - 85 could be diagnosed with more than one (Huffington, 2013). Hospitals, clinics, care centers, and insurance providers are working on plans for the expected increase in medical services for the aging baby boomers. With 60% of the boomers having one or more chronic disease that require regular healthcare visits. By year 2030, 28% of the U.S. population will be elderly, and additional healthcare personnel would be needed to assist with patient care and medications, patient education, and guidance in developing lifestyle changes. Future demands for medical careers in chiropractic, alternative, holistic