Beginning in 2011, the first of 78 million baby boomers will start turning 65. Dr. Audrey Chun, medical director at the Martha Stewart Center for Living, shares tips on how we can get ready to care for our aging population.

The State of Geriatric Medicine
Currently, there are only approximately 7,000 certified geriatricians, or doctors specialized in the care of the elderly, in the United States. That's one doctor for every 2,500 older adults.

In order to improve elder care, Dr. Chun recommends that all medical students, regardless of specialty, should be trained in the care of older adults. The assistance of qualified social workers, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and nurses could also help to maximize the ability of an existing geriatrician to care for multiple patients.

How You Can Help

• Be an advocate: Demand that your government representatives include caregivers and home care as part of whole person health care.
• Educate yourself: Find local resources and plan for the future now.
• Take your own health seriously: You have more control over your health than you imagine.

Resources
For more information on elder care, visit familycaregiving101.org, caregiver.org, or nextstepincare.org.