Final answer:
As of 2013, 20% of the U.S. population was over 60. The growth of the elderly population presents challenges in providing adequate medical care, as many family caregivers are unable to support their needs due to work and financial constraints. Medicare provides some relief, but the issue of underinsurance remains prevalent.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Census Bureau reported that as of 2013, 20% of the U.S. population was over 60 years old, meaning that nearly 63 million individuals are approaching an age requiring increased medical care. This demographic milestone underscores the growing need to address patient care approaches for the aging population. The Baby Boomer generation becoming senior citizens signals significant implications for healthcare systems, especially concerning how to efficiently provide for their increasing medical needs.
In the United States, family caregivers who are also working cannot always provide the required support, putting a strain on their ability to care for elderly family members. This, combined with the high costs associated with professional healthcare, results in care gaps. However, diversity exists within U.S. demographic groups in terms of how they approach elder care, with Latinos, African Americans, and Asians being the groups least likely to utilize out-of-home assisted care facilities.
Another facet touching upon the elderly in the U.S. involves Medicare, a government program providing health insurance for those 65 and older, with about 40 million people being eligible in the early 2000s. The elderly also constitute a powerful interest group, actively participating in political processes, as seen in high voter turnout percentages among seniors in past presidential elections. However, the issue of being underinsured also surfaces, with many spending more than 10% of their income on healthcare expenses not covered by insurance, highlighting an area in need of policy attention.