Frail Older Americans

Frail older adults are one of the nation's most vulnerable groups according to a recent profile of frail older Americans written by Richard W. Johnson and Joshua M Wiener and published by the Urban Institute.

About 8.7 million people age 65 and older, who live at home, reported some
type of disability in 2002 that limited how well they could perform basic
personal activities or live independently.

Providing help is often a burden on spouses, children, and friends, leaving some older Americans without the care they need. Long-term care is also largely a women's issue. Nearly two-thirds of older people with severe disabilities arefemale, women account for about two-thirds of all unpaid caregivers,
and daughters account for about seven of every 10 adult children who help their frail parents. As the population ages, the demands on government and
families will only intensify and put more older people at risk.

For more on "A Profile of Frail Older Americans and Their Caregivers," by Richard W. Johnson and Joshua M. Wiener go to http://www.urban.org/url.cfm?ID=311284>

Posted by dreynold at March 2, 2006 11:48 AM | TrackBack