Specific Needs and Services

Meeting the health care needs of older adults will become increasingly important as the population continues to age. Older people have specific health care needs that may not be reflected in the broader population. For example, various changes associated with physiological aging—such as vision and hearing impairment—make older adults considerably more likely to need hearing aids and other related health care services and supports than younger people. They are more likely to suffer from chronic conditions that require lifelong or complex treatment (or that call for a medical device). And they may have unique health care service needs related to mental or cognitive health and end-of-life care.

However, despite a rapidly aging population, relatively few health care professionals specialize in caring for older adults. This makes it difficult for older people to obtain care that meets their specific needs and preferences.