Although advances in health care have contributed to the longevity of baby boomers, there will be serious problems in three years when the first of the nation’s 78 million boomers begin reaching the age of 65. According to a report released today by the Institute of Medicine our health care system is “woefully unprepared” to address the needs of aging boomers.

The situation will get worse with time, according to the study’s authors. “By 2030, one in every five Americans will be 65 or older,” said committee chair John W. Rowe, professor of health policy at Columbia University. “We face an impending crisis as the growing number of older patients outpaces the number of health care providers with the knowledge and skills to care for them. “ The problem is compounded by the fact that many of the physicians and nurses who practice today are baby boomers themselves and will be in the position of needing care rather than providing it.

Today’s report recommends that all health care providers be trained in geriatric medicine and that training programs be made available to the millions of family members, friends and others who care for older individuals.  The report’s authors contend that Medicare, Medicaid and other health plans should pay higher rates to boost recruitment and retention of geriatric specialists and care aides.

Source: Institute of Medicine of the National Academies