Demographic and epidemiologic considerations for developing preventive strategies in the elderly.

More than 29 million Americans are aged 65 and older, over 12 percent of the US population. This number is expected to increase to 35 million by the turn of the century and to 67 million by the year 2050. Growth is expected to be greatest among the oldest and most disabled members of this group, those aged 85 and older. Persons 65 and older are the largest consumers of medical care; their care needs will be even greater as we enter and move through the twenty first century. Most persons needing long-term care will reside in the community, not in nursing homes. In light of these projections, we must be concerned with community based prevention at all levels.