Political Quotes

“Mr. President, as we recognize Older Americans Month this May it is important that we commit to meeting the needs of older Americans to live longer and healthier lives. Our aging population is expected to almost double in number, from 37 million people in 2009 to about 72 million by 2030. We must start now if we are going to adequately train the health care workforce to meet the needs of an aging America. If we fail to prepare, our Nation will face a crisis in providing care to these older Americans. Health care providers with the necessary training to give older Americans the best care are in critically short supply. In its landmark report, Retooling for an Aging America, the Institute of Medicine concluded that action must be taken immediately to address the severe workforce shortages in the care of older adults. According to the Institute of Medicine, in 2009 only about 7,100 U.S. physicians were certified geriatricians; 36,000 are needed by 2030. In addition, just 4 percent of social workers and only 3 percent of advanced practice nurses specialized in geriatrics in 2009. Recruitment and retention of direct care workers is also a looming crisis due to low wages and few benefits, lack of career advancement, and inadequate training. Preparing our workforce for the job of caring for older Americans is an essential part of ensuring the future health of our nation.…”