SILVER TSUNAMI

the silver

tsunami

By George E. Taffet, M.D.

The demographic change of the American landscape that will occur during the next 40 years will be dramatic. Baby boomers turn age 65 at the rate of almost 10,000 per day, and will do so for the next two decades. This change, termed the “silver tsunami,” will wash over all aspects of life for seniors and the generations that help them financially.

While those aged 65 today are clearly more active, independent and healthy than the 65-year- olds of generations past, the needs, diseases and co-occurrence of illnesses in older people provide unique opportunities and challenges as medicine seeks to prevent, forestall and treat the chronic conditions that plague them.

With longevity, seniors become increasingly susceptible to injury and a flood of diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease and dementia. Physicians and researchers at The Methodist Hospital, in longstanding collaboration with the Geriatrics Section at Baylor College of Medicine, are working to help seniors to live not only longer, but also healthier lives.

U.S.News & World Report’s 2011 “Best Hospitals” issue names The Methodist Hospital as one of the best in the nation for geriatric care. The following pages highlight Methodist’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life for those who are approaching retirement age and older.

Dr. Taffet is the academic head of geriatrics at The Methodist Hospital and the Robert J. Luchi, M.D. Chair in Geriatric Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine.