Final answer:
Mary, Betty, and Donna, being over 85, are part of the 'old-old' demographic. They're likely to experience common age-related health issues and represent a growing portion of the elderly population, affecting healthcare demands.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mary, Betty, and Donna, all over the age of 85, belong to the segment of the population that is often referred to as the 'old-old'. This group is characterized by specific societal and healthcare needs. As members of the baby boomer population, they are likely to face common healthcare issues like heart conditions, arthritis, and Alzheimer's, which may require various forms of medical care including hospitalization, long-term care, or at-home nursing.
Given their age, this segment of the population also represents a significant portion of the elderly demographic that has grown considerably over the years. This has implications for healthcare demand and service provision, especially with advances in life-saving technologies and the expansion of healthcare access through the Affordable Care Act.
Population charts like the one from the US Census Bureau depict the growing proportion of older adults, especially those over the age of 85, indicating an increased need for resources catered to this age group and suggesting that the population share they represent is expanding.