Baby Boomers, those born between 1946 and 1964, are reaching the age of 65 at the fastest rate ever. In the US alone, it is estimated that more than 12,000 Boomers per day will turn 65 this year. For 2024, the total will be an estimated 4.4 million people in the US. By the year 2030, projections are that one in five people in the US will be age 65 or older. Worldwide, between 2020 and 2050 the population over age 80 is expected to triple and reach 426 million.

In anticipation of this silver tsunami, underwriters should prepare by becoming familiar with the health issues that are prevalent and more unique to the older population.

Chronic health conditions become more common with advanced age. Estimates are that 80% of people over age 65 have at least one chronic illness and 50% have at least two. The major causes of death continue to be heart disease and cancer, but the course of these conditions become more affected by frailty and lack of resiliency that characterizes advancing age. SCOR Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Richard Braun discusses six key findings that may indicate a future downhill course resulting in dependency on others for care.

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