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Hospital use by the extremely elderly (nonagenarians): a two-year study
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
|May 1, 1984
Summary
Hospitalization rates for nonagenarians (individuals aged 90 and older) are high, averaging 13 days annually. These findings highlight the significant healthcare needs and resource utilization of the oldest adults.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Community-dwelling nonagenarians represent a rapidly growing demographic.
- This population often requires extensive medical and social support.
- Understanding their healthcare utilization is crucial for resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the hospitalization rates and duration among community-dwelling nonagenarians.
- To estimate the healthcare resource burden associated with this age group.
- To inform healthcare policy and funding decisions.
Main Methods:
- Prospective two-year follow-up of 87 community-dwelling nonagenarians.
- Tracking of hospital admissions and total duration of stays.
- Analysis of healthcare service utilization in relation to demographic and infirmity factors.
Main Results:
- 51 out of 87 participants (59%) required acute care hospitalization at least once.
- Average hospitalization duration was 44 days per individual over two years (approx. 13 days/year/person).
- Data suggest one occupied hospital bed per 28 nonagenarians, assuming limited preventability of admissions.
Conclusions:
- Nonagenarians exhibit substantial acute care utilization, necessitating significant hospital resources.
- Current healthcare funding models may need re-evaluation based on the needs of this elderly population.
- Accurate assessment of healthcare needs is vital for effective resource allocation during fiscal restraint.