Population Aging: Implications for Nurse Practitioners

Population aging has occurred as a result of increased longevity throughout the lifespan coupled with declining birth rates. In the practice arena this demographic shift will increase the need for health services focused on chronic disease, comorbid status, and the unique health promotion for older adults. Nurse practitioner programs and continuing education providers must strengthen content on geriatrics and chronic disease management. Research on health care needs and care outcomes of older adults must increase. Nurse practitioners can best position themselves for this demographic shift by increasing their knowledge about health care needs of older adults.