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Disturbing Health Trends Among San Diego County Seniors

One in four seniors in San Diego County says they're in poor health. A new report from UCLA offers a detailed look at the health status of California seniors. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

Disturbing Health Trends Among San Diego County Seniors

One in four seniors in San Diego County says they're in poor health. A new report from UCLA offers a detailed look at the health status of California seniors. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

The report is based on interviews with more than 45,000 households statewide. It compares responses over a recent four-year period.

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UCLA's Dr. Steven Wallace wrote the report. He says in San Diego County, the percentage of seniors who had 12 or more doctor visits within a given year nearly doubled.

Dr. Steven Wallace: It is a striking increase and it is a statewide increase. We don't have the full explanation for that. But my assumption is that part of that is another indicator of the declining health of the older population.

The report shows the percentage of San Diego County seniors with high blood pressure and diabetes rose. About one in five had heart disease.

Kenny Goldberg, KPBS News.