Population Reference Bureau Population Bulletin Vol.
Most older people report having at least one chronic health problem.
Some conditions are potentially life threatening and associated with extensive need for medical care. Heart disease, for example, is reported by almost one-third of older Americans in the community. Other health conditions are potential threats to the quality of life. Although they may result in pain, inconvenience, and impairments requiring assistance with daily living, they are not necessarily associated with high use of medical services. Almost half of older people living in the community are troubled by arthritis, and many older people have visual and hearing impairments that interfere with performing everyday tasks.