3 Reasons Why Geriatric Care Utilization Will Increase

Geriatrics is a specialty of medicine that focuses on care for the elderly. The profession is booming and for good reason. According to a new Population Reference Bureau (PRB) report, the number of Americans over the age of 65 will double by 2060 to over 98 million. It’s no secret that baby boomers—born between 1946-1964—have hit retirement and, like at every other stage of their lives, they are requiring greater care than previous generations.

However, It’s not just the growing retired population that is causing a growth in geriatric care. In fact, the appetite from baby boomers themselves for more and better care is the major driving force. Retired people today face an increased life expectancy, with increased spending power and improved care options it is easier than ever for seniors to maintain their health.

1. Greater Life Expectancy

Baby boomers, on average, can expect to live 19 years after retirement, according to the PRB report. That’s compared to just 15 years for their parent’s generation who also retired an average of three years earlier. With this increased lifespan comes a greater need for geriatric care that many previous generations didn’t require.

Retirees increasing independence and activity also leads to increased medical needs. Boomers are the most active retired generation in history. 

2. Preventative Care Reduces Costs

The availability and quality of preventative care are also leading to increased use of geriatric care. 

People 65 and older have the highest rate of inpatient hospital stays, averaging more than 2.5x as many stays as adults 45-65. Given that the average hospital stay in the U.S runs around $10,700,  preventing as many hospital stays as possible through preventative care can reduce costs for retirees while improving their quality of life.

People 65 and older are also the most likely to use emergency departments (538.3 visits per 1,000 population). Of course, everyone wants to avoid a trip to the emergency room and not just because of the expense, but many people don’t know that emergency room mortality rates have plummeted over the past 15 years as increasingly virulent, bacteria-resistant, infections make their way into hospitals. Avoiding hospitals at all costs is now more necessary than ever for seniors. 

3. Program for All-Inclusive Care of the Elderly (PACE)

The final reason retirees these days are more likely to get treatment is improving options within Medicare and Medicaid. The best example of this is the Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly(PACE). Retirees are eligible for PACE if they are 1)Age 55 or older 2) Live in the service area of a PACE organization 3) Eligible for nursing home care 4) Are able to live safely in the community. 

If a senior meets these requirements all their care will go through the PACE system. This allows for improved preventative care, including better medical supply services, quality general orthopedics, and various other services that can be fully covered under the program. 

Given the new lease on life many retirees have with their increased life span, Geriatric medicine is now more important than ever. The improvements in preventative care and in treatment/payment options have made the specialty a booming business and that’s good for everyone, not just seniors.