Over-85 Fastest-Growing Age Group in U.S.

KPBS | By KPBS Public Broadcasting

Published November 20, 2006 at 8:46 AM PST

This story was published more than 18 years ago.

Today there are 4.2 million Americans who are 85 and above. Growing this old can lead to a debilitating physical decline that often requires an immense amount of care. Full Focus examines the challeng

Just look around you and it becomes clear that our population is aging. More ads for retirement communities, more apparel lines for the older woman or man, more drug companies developing arthritis meds. In fact, if you are over 85, you are in the fastest-growing segment of this nation’s population and there are more than four million of you. So, while we celebrate our oldest generation, we also recognize that there are some challenges. Host Gloria Penner talks with are Barry Lebowitz, professor of psychiatry and deputy director of the Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging at UCSD School of Medicine and Pam Smith, director of San Diego County’s Aging and Independence Services about those challenges and what can be done about them.

Guests

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Barry Lebowitz , professor of psychiatry and deputy director of the Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging at UCSD School of Medicine.
Pam Smith , director of San Diego County’s Aging and Independence Services.

The Frontline documentary on Living Old aires Tuesday, Nov. 21, at 10 p.m. on KPBS-TV.