According to data from a study by the National Insitute on Aging, chronic disability among older Americans has decreased dramatically in the last two decades. As the population ages, the health and function of older Americans is improving. Chronic disability among people 65 and older fell from 26.5 percent in 1982 to 19 percent in 2004/2005

This is good news for the ailing Medicare system as the boomer generation reaches retirement age. In addition to a drop in the rate of chronic disability, the number of Medicare enrollees over 65 who lived in long-term care facilities dropped from 1982 to 2004.

“This continuing decline in disability among older people is one of the most encouraging and important trends in the aging of the American population,” says NIA Director Richard J. Hodes, M.D.

Disability among older Americans continues significant decline