The elderly are less likely to change residence than other age groups. About 3.4 million elderly persons were below the poverty level in 1996. The educational level of the older population is increasing. The number of days in which usual activities are restricted because of illness or injury increases with age. Over 5 million older people need assistance with activities of daily living.
Most older persons have at least one chronic condition and many have multiple conditions.
The average length of a hospital stay was 6.8 days for older people, compared to only 4.5 days for people under 65. The average length of stay for older people has decreased 7.4 days since 1968 and 3.9 days since 1980. Excludes persons of Hispanic origin. The 1997 edition was updated by Alfred Duncker and Saadia Greenberg, AoA. Production by Felo Madrid, AARP AARP is the nation's leading organization for people age 50 and over. It serves their needs and interests through legislative advocacy, research, informative programs and community services provided by a network of local chapters and experienced volunteers throughout the country.