ABSTRACT
The continuation of living is compounded by the onset of chronic illnesses and disabling conditions as people age, resulting in increased use of health care resources (Fowler & Machisko, 1997). It is expected that by the year 2030, the number of persons age 65 and older will be 66 million and will make up 22% of the population (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2000). Additionally, the population 85 years of age and older is projected to grow to 8.5 million in the year 2030 (Administration of Aging, 1999). As this age shift occurs, physiological aging is delayed, as compared to a century ago. With advances in medical treatment, persons are living longer and healthier into the sixth, seventh, and eighth decades, with greater periods of time in what is considered old age.
