Final answer:
The age group that most frequently utilizes medical care is those aged 65 and older, due in part to age-related health issues. As the Baby Boomer generation ages, the demand for healthcare services in this demographic continues to grow, emphasizing the impact of an aging population on the healthcare system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The age group that utilizes medical care most frequently consists predominantly of the older adult population, specifically those who are 65 years and older. The utilization of medical care increases as individuals age, largely due to the natural progression of age-related health issues. An important indicator of this trend is the Medicare program, which is available to United States citizens who are 65 and over. In the early 2000s, about 40 million people in the United States were eligible for Medicare, emphasizing the significant need for medical care among the elderly.
Furthermore, the Baby Boomers, a term used to describe the population born post-World War II between 1946 and 1964, are now coming of age, increasing the proportion of the population that requires more frequent medical attention. According to the Census Bureau, as of 2013, 20% of the U.S. population was over 60 years old, signifying that nearly 63 million people are at an age where they will need increased medical care. This trend is expected to continue as the Baby Boomer generation ages.
The elderly population not only requires more medical care but also represents a substantial interest group in terms of political and social influence. For example, during the 2012 presidential election, 70% of those over age 65 voted, highlighting their active participation in civic duties and the potential to shape policy related to healthcare and other issues of concern to this demographic.