Older adults comprise 12 % to 13% of the United States population, yet they account for 26% of all physician office visits, 35% of all hospital stays, 50% of all ICU days, 34% of all prescriptions, 38% of all emergency medical responses and 43.6% of the Nations hospital bills. In the next 20 years the number of people 65 and older is expected to double, from 35.1 million to more than 71.5 million.
By 2030, one – in – every – five – Americans will be older that 65, as this population increases, health care providers will be caring for an even greater number of acute ill patients. With waning immunity and physiological changes coming with age. The elderly are more susceptible to infectious disease as the immune system becomes less efficient with a response to immunization.
The body’s anatomical defense mechanisms, cells and organs of the immune system weaken. With the skin becoming thinner adding less protection, the elderly’s ability to cough up secretion diminishes, saliva and mucous production decreases, while gastric acid secretion is reduced and urine retention is common in both sexes. Comorbid conditions such as cancer, diabetes mellitus, COPD, heart disease, renal failure and dementia that makes the elderly more vulnerable to infections & chronic disease. http://www.meschinohealth.com/Optimal Living Program 2nd Edition-Part5.pdf
As the functional impairments that necessitates the use of catheters, implantable cardiac devices and artificial joints. In addition, medications such as non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs, sedatives, anticholinergics, antidepressants, diuretics and gastric acid suppressants further suppress the ability to fight infections. Unfortunately, you won’t find the cure in a bottle of pills or with hormone therapy.
In the Book: The Blue Zones by Daniel Buettner, which blends a lifestyle formula with the latest lifestyle research. That inspires lasting behavorial modifications that may add zestfulness to ones life. Sure some might say, cancer happens to all people at all ages, however, the majority of cancer happens through the aging process and a compromised immune system. As we become less active, with not eating as well, having less community interaction, lifestyle and spirituality with other people.