Center for Disease Control

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chronic illness, such as obesity, heart disease, and cancer are among the most common and costly health problems associated with the elderly, they are also among the most preventable (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2010). Because chronic diseases are the driven force behind the increase in health care and prescription cost for the elderly, programs such as wellness and chronic disease management programs can help reduce health care cost tremendously. In addition, preventive care and wellness programs give individuals the advantage to complete basic daily activities they otherwise may not be able to do because of illness, chronic disease, or injury. These can limit physical and mental abilities of older adults which can make it harder for the elderly to remain at home.
Depression is a disease that becomes common for the elderly. Elderly depression can stem from them not being able to do daily task for themselves anymore. Regular check-ups would help the elderly stay positive and active. Visiting the family physician for regular checkups will help to plan preventive care and to detect any issues before they become a problem. Unhealthy people will suffer from chronic illnesses and contribute to the high costs. A healthier nation of people will need fewer services and health care costs will reduce drastically. The increase in health care cost for the aging will begin to affect government expenditures. Because programs like Medicare and Medicaid are federal and state health care coverage programs for the poor, long-term care expenditures resulting from an aging population and rising health care costs could have a significant impact on the Medicaid