For example, pneumonia can be deadly for those older than 65 despite the availability of a simple vaccine. The study found people living in the southern and western regions were four times less likely to receive this vaccine than those living in the northern and eastern parts. According to the study, women should have a mammogram every year or two from ages 50 through 69. But statistics show only 28 percent of women on Medicare received a mammogram. And while diabetes affects over 16 million Americans, nearly 2 million patients on Medicare are not receiving adequate treatment, said the television station.
Diabetes can cause blindness, so eye exams are crucial.
But across most of the nation, less than 60 percent of patients are getting such exams. Experts say the goal is to raise the level of care for the elderly. By the year 2011, it's estimated there will be 75 million baby boomers over 65 years old. The goal is to educate doctors and baby boomers so those golden years will be healthy ones.