The Rising Demands of Senior and Chronic Care

America's aging population presents problems and opportunities in the health care industry; The oldest of the Baby Boomer generation-the 78 million people born between 1946 and 1964-turn 61 this year, but this is only the beginning of the "elder boom" that will occur as this generation ages. These patients will need specialty care from a health system that already has had serious difficulties running efficiently without a large influx of seniors needing extra attention. Certainly quality initiatives and patient-safety programs underway could help lay a better foundation for the needs of the Baby Boomer generation. Part of the solution will have to come from technology, and innovations in remote and self monitoring are already underway.