The U.S. Census Bureau defines older Americans as those over 65 years of age. In 1990, Americans over age 65 represented four percent of the population; by 2000, they accounted for nearly 13 percent. In 2011, the "baby boom" generation will begin to turn 65, and by 2030, one in five people will beage 65 or older. The size of the older population is projected to double overthe next 30 years. For health care practitioners, understanding the aging process leads to an improvement in the health and quality of life of their patients as they get older.
Because Hampton Roads is a wonderful region in which to retire, EVMS became one of the first medical schools in the nation to require that our medical students receive additional training in geriatrics. Both of our primary care departments — the Department of Internal Medicine and the Department of Family & Community Medicine —offer extensive geriatric services at multiple locations. EVMS Health Services remains committed to providing significant health care resources to the seniors of Hampton Roads.
