The Aging Population in the Twenty-First Century : Statistics for Health Policy

It is not news that each of us grows old. What is relatively new, however, is that the average age of the American population is increasing.

More and better information is required to assess, plan for, and meet the needs of a graying population.

The Aging Population in the Twenty-First Century examines social, economic, and demographic changes among the aged, as well as many health-related topics: health promotion and disease prevention; quality of life; health care system financing and use; and the quality of care?especially long-term care.

Recommendations for increasing and improving the data available?as well as for ensuring timely access to them?are also included. Table of ContentsFront Matter1 Introduction and Summary of Recommendations2 Social, Economic, and Demographic Changes Among the Elderly3 Health Status and Quality of Life4 Health Transitions and the Compression of Morbidity5 Health Promotion and Disease Prevention6 Quality of Care7 Long-term Care8 The Financing of Health Care Services for the Elderly9 Health Services Utilization10 Enhancing the Utility of Statistical Systems11 Statistical Methodology for Health Policy AnalysisReferencesA Background PapersB Effects of Budgetary Constraints on Federal Statistical ProgramsC Descriptions of Data Bases Mentioned in the Panel'sRecommendationsD Long-term Health Care Minimum Data SetE AcronymsF Biographical Sketches