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Our Aging Population
The number of older Americans is increasing. In 2003, the Census Bureau estimated 35.9 million people living in the U.S. were 65 or older. At that time, older Americans made up about 12 percent of the population. But in the next 25 years, the number of elderly is expected to double to 71 million – comprising roughly 20 percent of this country’s population.
The rising number of older Americans is expected to put a strain on the healthcare system because older people tend to have more chronic health problems. The most common conditions among the elderly are diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, cancer, arthritis and lung diseases. In a report issued this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 80 percent of older Americans have at least one chronic medical problem. Other experts report 30 percent have three or more chronic medical conditions and 20 percent have at least five.
Another problem for some seniors is falling. The CDC reports, in 2004, falls were the leading cause of injury death for the elderly, killing 14,900 Americans over 65. The highest risk for fall-related death was among those 80 and older. Even nonfatal falls can have serious consequences, leading to hip fractures, pain, disability and loss of independence.
Predicting Decline
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University, in collaboration with Intel® Corporation, are looking at different types of markers, called behavioral markers, to detect signs of physical decline in the elderly and predict early onset of a medical problem. Some examples of behavioral markers are measurements of gait analysis, walking speed, or general level of activity.
In the study, investigators placed sensors, like motion detectors, in the homes of several volunteers. The sensors measure and record activity levels. Researchers can look at levels of physical activity, social visitations or the amount of time spent out of the house. They can monitor weight or whether a patient is taking medication as directed. Even voice patterns can be an indication of a developing problem.
Neurologist, Jeffrey Kaye, M.D., says physicians typically only get to see an elderly patient for 10 to 15 minutes at a time once or more during the year. That’s often not enough time to detect subtle signs of an impending problem. And sometimes a patient will appear to be doing well during the office visit, but is struggling with issues at home or in daily activities. Continual monitoring of behavioral markers enables doctors to see patterns or changes that may indicate a problem. Ultimately, early detection may lead to treatment or interventions that can improve a patient’s quality of life.