Changing Epidemiology of the American Population

Abstract

The changing epidemiology of the geriatric population in the United States has diverse social, medical, and financial implications that will continue to expand over the next few decades. According to the US Census Bureau, 20% of the US population will be 65 years or older by 2030 and more than 50% will eventually belong to a minority group. These changes are expected to be accompanied by several effects on the geriatric population's demographics, injury characteristics, surgical interventions, and the cost of caring for the geriatric population, which will ultimately broaden the financial burden.

Keywords: Changing epidemiology; Cost of caring; Demographics; Geriatric surgery; Geriatrics.