Given the centrality of these issues to the practice of geriatrics, the AGS intends to establish a position of leadership in American health care related to women's health issues. At all ages over 65, there are more women than men in our society. By age 85, over two-thirds of the population are women, and geriatric medical practice becomes predominantly concerned with women's health. The older woman typically outlives her husband, maintains an independent residence, remains in contact with her family, and survives through her seventies. Despite their lower mortality rates, however, older women have greater morbidity, including more limitations in self-care.
Older women have many of the same health problems as older men and die from many of the same causes.
Older women also have serious health problems which either do not affect older men or are much ore prevalent and significant in older women. In addition, function and quality of life of many older women are profoundly affected by disability as a result of chronic diseases. In addition, some diseases well studied in younger women have not been sufficiently investigated in older women. The research agenda should focus upon examining the health status of older women with special attention to their susceptibility to functional decline, long term morbidity, and deterioration of quality of life. It has been suggested that increasing the number of women participating in research will lead to an improved focus on research issues affecting women.