U.S. Population: More Older People But Fewer Medical Specialists
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Posted by Maryan Pelland Aug 31, 2006 |
At turn of the last century there were 3.1 million Americans 65 and older. In 2000, there were 35 million -- more than 10 times as many. That trend will continue and, according to the National Center for Health Statistics, we will number 54.6 million by 2020.
The likelihood of developing chronic health conditions rises with age. Think about diabetes, high blood pressure, respiratory disease, heart disease and cancer. If you look at U.S. Census figures, you'll find 80% of older Americans with at least one health problem.
Now, we have another concern. Not many young med students feel enough of a connection with older people to choose geriatrics as their specialty. Right now, according to the American Geriatrics Society, there is one geriatrician for every 5000 Americans over 65 years old. In 25 years, that number will be one for over 6000.
Not good news. But the trend may be positive. Medical schools like Washington University recognize potential for disaster and are encouraging medical students to consider geriatrics. That school puts medical students and senior citizens together for consultation sessions in a fascinating setting.
These teams meet at an art museum and spend a couple of hours together, creating art projects inspired by contemporary collections. It's hope that working together, brainstorming and exercising their "right" brains, they might dispel some of the younger students' ideas about what age is about and create a bond between the two generations.
Schools involved: Northwestern University and Mexican Fine Arts Museum, Chicago. University of South Florida and Tampa Museum of Art with Salvador Dali Museum, St. Petersburg. U Florida and Samuel P. Harn Museum, Gainesville. Columbia University and Museum of Modern Art in New York City.
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