Chronic conditions are the major cause of illness, disability, and death in the United States. More than 100 million Americans have chronic conditions. Millions more will be affected as America ages. An analysis of data from four U.S. national surveys – the National Health Interview Survey, Survey of Income and Program Participation, Health and Retirement Survey, and study of Asset and Health Dynamics Among the Oldest Old – was conducted to show the impact of chronic conditions on individuals, families, communities, and society.
The data show that people with chronic conditions use more health services than those without conditions, that chronic conditions account for a substantial proportion of health care spending in the U.S. and have a major impact on productivity in the U.S. The data also show that there is and will be a great need for caregivers.
A discussion of policies and practices related to financing and caring for those with chronic conditions in the U.S. will be of interest to those who work in countries with an actual or impending shift from predominantly acute to chronic illness. Issues to be addressed include: Who is at risk? How can risks be reduced? How can health care systems be more responsive? What are the implications of chronic conditions for employers and employees? Who will care for the chronically ill? What opportunities exist in the U.S. and elsewhere to develop policies and improve health and care systems?
See www.aging-society.org
Learning Objectives: Participants will acquire information about the impact that the increasing prevalence of chronic conditions in the U.S. has on individuals, their families, communities, and on the financing and delivery of health and long-term care services. Future impacts as the population ages also will be discussed. Participants will have the opportunity to relate this information to situations in other countries that are contending with an actual or anticipated increase in the prevalence of chronic conditions.
Keywords: Chronic Diseases, Long-Term Care
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.