ABSTRACT
The number of seniors in the United States is increasing, as is the percentage of seniors in the total US population. The actual number of seniors and the percentage of seniors in the total population are increasing both because of declining birthrates and because of longer life expectancies. Gender and race are also important elements in understanding the challenge of our increasingly older society. The incidence of chronic conditions—permanent or long-term ailments such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and congestive heart failure—rises with age, as does the severity of such conditions. Because of the loss of physical and mental vigor, seniors are less likely to be employed and more likely to have lower incomes. Most seniors obtain assistance from informal networks comprising spouses, relatives, and friends. The legal problems of seniors are made more complicated by an inherent conflict in public policy goals.
