ABSTRACT
In the United States the population of persons age 65 years and older is experiencing a remarkable growth. Older adults currently comprise 16% of the population, but by the year 2020, the elderly population is expected to increase to approximately 22% (U.S. Census Bureau, 2000). Current estimates are that over the next 40 years, the number of persons who are 65 years and over will double and persons 85 years and over will triple (U.S. Census Bureau, 2000). In the United States, there is differential longevity between men and women. The average lifespan in 1993 for men was 72 years and for women 79 years, up by almost 6 years since 1970 and almost 30 years since 1900. For those who have managed to make it to age 65, the figures are even more promising: men of 65 years can expect to live on average to age 77; women can expect to live on average to age 81.
