The impact of the growing elderly population on health car

The elderly population is increasing dramtically. "Baby boomers," individuals born between 1946 and 1960, will begin to turn 65 years old in the year 2011. This cohort will consume much of the world's resources. The issues of age discrimination, age segregation, age based politics, rights of the elderly, and conflicts will be heightened as the increasing population impacts on these issues.;All of society will be beguiled with the task of incorporating this large contingent into its every aspect. A primary issue of concern to much of the nation will be this group's impact on health care and the subsequent costs. The elderly population will stress the existing health care system. The rising cost of health care and service delivery will compound the problem and make solutions difficult. The primary health programs currently utilized by the elderly are Medicare and Medicaid. These programs will need massive revamping to accommodate this growing population.;This text provides a description of the growing elderly population. A review of the existing system is given along with options for reform. Due to the quantity of persons soon to be in need of health care, reforms must be far reaching and long-term in scope.