Growing Wave of Senior Citizens Challenges Caregivers and Business Community
Yahoo News, September 27th, 2006
Corporations and caregivers are
taking unprecedented action to prepare for the wave of 90 million Americans
who will be 65 and older over the next 40 years, essentially doubling today's
senior population.
According to the U.S. Census figures, 72 million (1 out of 5) Americans
will be 65 or older by 2030. The health care issues that come with an aging
population are increasingly being shouldered by family and friends, who
provide an estimated 80% of all eldercare.
"One in four families across the U.S. is now dealing with caregiving
issues. As people live longer, this will continue to be a growing issue,"
according to Robert Brooks, CEO ElderCarelink, a leading internet service
which connects consumers to providers of eldercare products and services.
Interestingly, only 8% of elderly Americans reside in nursing homes. The
vast majority are cared for at home by their family or close friends who take
on the role of informal caregivers without any formal medical training or
compensation.
Read more of this article.