title: Who are the elderly? A profile of older patients.
abstract: The graying of America will change the health care system and how health professionals view the quality of care and life for older citizens. In this article, the demographics of US society are explored with comments on forecasted changes in the next 30 years. Understanding the needs of the geriatric population will help the clinician provide an opportunity to plan for the future to ensure a meaningful life for those golden years.
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Health and Aging, Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine, Philadelphia.
authors.forename: A E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Helfand
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D014481:United States