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National Hispanic Council on Aging Focuses on the Future

The National Hispanic Council on Aging (NHCOA) is addressing the growing need for geriatric care as two of the nation’s largest populations — baby boomers and Hispanics — reach a critical level. The nation’s older population will double by 2030 and make up 20% of all Americans — 71.5 million people.

“By 2050, there will be 2 billion older people in the world” said Dr. Yanira Cruz, president and CEO of NHCOA. “That means that for the first time in human history, older adults will outnumber the young. This is a total population shift, and societies throughout the world will struggle to support this dynamic change. Resources, workforces and services must accommodate the new reality.”

Because older adults have specific health issues, healthcare professionals — beyond general practitioners — need training to diagnose and treat them, said Cruz. “That, coupled with a growing older population, highlights the urgent need to train them in geriatric care,” she said. “This is the tip of the iceberg of a huge public health challenge.” NHCOA is the premier national organization dedicated to understanding the needs and securing the wellbeing of Hispanic older adults and their families. Hispanics are the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. population.

“To address that growth and care for this older population, healthcare reform must include affordable access to care and medication; a workforce that is culturally and linguistically competent, as well as age sensitive; programs that increase the number of gerontology professionals; and a focus on prevention,” said NHCOA Chairman Raul Yzaguirre.

NHCOA is the premier national organization dedicated to understanding the needs and securing the well being of Hispanic older adults and their caregivers, the fastest-growing segment in the U.S. population.