[Population health profile at the age of 65-70]

Despite the promise of a large number of baby-boomers soon reaching the age of 65, little is known regarding the population health in the 65-70 years age group. Baseline data from the Lausanne cohort Lc65+, representative of the community-dwelling population born before the first world war, indicate that most individuals aged 65-70 have medical diagnoses of chronic diseases; many present comorbidities and geriatric syndromes are already present in a sizable proportion. However, the prevalence of dependence in basic activities of daily living is still low. This health profile points to the appropriateness of geriatric assessments from the age of 65 and to a potential for prevention of unfavourable outcomes in later life.