Preparing for an Aging World: Engaging Biogerontologists, Geriatricians, and the Society

Abstract

Although the demographic revolution has produced hundreds of millions people aged 65 and older, a substantial segment of that population is not enjoying the benefits of extended healthspan. Many live with multiple chronic conditions and disabilities that erode the quality of life. The consequences are also costly for society. In the United States, the most costly 5% of Medicare beneficiaries account for approximately 50% of Medicare's expenditures. This perspective summarizes a recent workshop on biomedical approaches to best extend healthspan as way to reduce age-related dysfunction and disability. We further specify the action items necessary to unite health professionals, scientists, and the society to partner around the exciting and palpable opportunities to extend healthspan.

Keywords: Healthspan; Longevity dividend; Models of care.

Figure 1.

Projections of disease in the population aged 65 and older, 2010–2030. The figure shows rates of self-reported disease (“Has a doctor ever told you . . . ”) based on projections using data the Health and Retirement Study and the National Health Interview Study.

Figure 2.

Net present value of lifetime Medicare spending per person aged 65 in 2010 and 2030. Figure is based on projections from the Future Elderly Model using data from the Health and Retirement Study, the National Health Interview Study, and the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey. Spending projections assume cost growth consistent with the targets set in the Affordable Care Act, that is, below Gross Domestic Product growth until 2019 and 1% above GDP growth from 2019 to 2030. Spending is discounted with a 3% rate from age 65 onward.

Figure 3.

Themes and structure of the workshop.