Baby Boomers: Effect on Health Care Essay

A muff boomer is a person who was born during the demographic World War II baby boom and who grew up during the period of 1946-1964. This population of Ameri bottomlands lead soon be over the age of 65. When the last of the baby boomers dispatch retirement age, almost 20% of the U.S. population go forth be 65 and older compared to less than 13% today. By 2030, there bequeath be more than 70 million Americans over age 65 (Taylor, 2005). There is a major concern of how this increased population will affect the health care system. health check care for retiring and aging citizens whitethorn strain resources and future generations maybe faced with higher pretension and higher taxes to cover the cost of social security, Medicare, and other retirement benefits (Taylor, 2005). Many people are already feeling the effects with increased cost of premiums, deductibles, and prescription medication.At some point this population is termination to require healthcare. According to, Giganle (2010), over 60% of adults between the ages of 50 to 64 who are working or has a spouse that is working have been diagnosed with at least one degenerative health hold back such as arthritis, cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes. By 2020, Boomers will account for 4 in 10 office visits to physicians. Over the next 20 years, Boomers will make up a greater proportion of hospitalizations as they continue longer but with multiple complex conditions (Giganle, 2010). Prescription drugs will become a major part of medical treatment and is expected to be a major expense. According to the Congressional Budget Office, spending for programs such as Medicare and Medicaid accounted for 3% each of gross internal budget in 2009. By 2035, spending for Medicare alone will have more than doubled to 8% and by 2080 it would have grown to approximately 15% (Peterson, 1999). These generations have different needs and expectations than past generations.In the past many of the older g enerations were not as concerned active their health and many illnesses and diseases much went undetected. They did not visit the set up as much. On the other hand, this generation is more concerned about maintaining their health and living longer therefore they visit the doctor frequently. They are making more doctor visits and using more prescription medications. Many of these prescribed medications are new and very expensive. There is as well cost associated with the number of lab test that are required in order to monitor these medications. citizenry are also living way longer than before, however many of them are living with chronic conditions. The growing number of people with these conditions will also put an increase demand on the healthcare system. Medicare cost for those 65 and older may cause the national debt to dramatically increase. This financial increase may eventually cause a reduction of healthcare for all.Many healthcare practices are now preparing for the ba by boomer generation. Baby boomers will have new technologies and medical services available to help them to live longer. Chronic conditions will create a demand for continuous medical management in twain inpatient and outpatient settings (Peterson, 1999). Some health care providers are preparing themselves as well by looking at the amount of space they have available for increased amount of patients, training their staff for diversity, and having new applied science available for patients to enhance their care. Procedures like minimally invasive surgery, new imaging techniques and remote care technologies will improve the quality of life for many (Taylor, 2005). These new and advanced technologies would allow them new opportunities. All we can do now is brace ourselves as we prepare for the Gray Tsunami the age wave that will by all odds change America.ReferencesGiganle, S. (2010, February 22). How baby boomers will impact healthcare industry. Retrieved from www.cnbc.comPeterson , P. (1999, April 16). Gray tsunami how the coming age wave will transform america. Retrieved fromwww.infoworld.com/../aging-baby-boomers-will-drive-health-care-Taylor, R. (2005). Baby boomers put hurt on healthcare system. Senior Journal, Retrieved from SeniorJournal.com