According to the U.S. Census Bureau, “the percentage of persons in Louisiana 65 and older is 12.3%.” Statistics show how much of an impact the aging population has on health care services and costs. “The aging of the population of Louisiana is one of the most important demographic trends affecting the state. Estimates show that Louisiana has approximately 436,992 caregivers, who provide more than 468 million hours of care valued at more than $4.6 billion.” That goes to show just how important it is that fertility rates increase. We are in desperate need for health care workers to care for the aging population (U.S. Census Bureau, 2007).” Not only are we in need for workers, but we are also losing money as the aging
References: David, H. & Benavides, A. (2010). Local government wellness programs: a viable option to decrease healthcare costs and improve productivity. Public Personnel Management, 39(4), 291. Retrieved from EBSCOhost on April 11, 2011. Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency. (2004). How will an aging population affect healthcare? Retrieved on April 12, 2011 from http://www.flhsa.org/pubs/Aging%20-%20HM19.pdf Jones, T. (2007). The Louisiana Journey. Retrieved on April 11, 2011 from http://books.google.com/books?id=rn4p-eFL6oMC&pg=PA44&lpg=PA44&dq=aging+population+affects+louisiana&source=bl&ots=MhHK39BzmA&sig=pf9IJGckY9i1HxghUSYRoDeVzAg&hl=en&ei=h7qjTbWnM_CH0QH2_vnrCA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=6&ved=0CD8Q6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=aging%20population%20affects%20louisiana&f=false Ryder, R. (2011). Health scams often target elderly. Retrieved on April 11, 2011 from http://www.elderparenthelp.com/health-scams-target-elderly U.S. Census Bureau. (2006). Population of Louisiana. Retrieved on April 11, 2011 from http://www.classbrain.com/artstate/publish/article_1239.shtml U.S. Census Bureau. (2007). State and County Quick Facts - Louisiana. Retrieved on April 11, 2011 from http://www.census.gov. U.S. Census Bureau. (2005). State faces challenges as population ages. Retrieved on April 11, 2011 from http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/147644/state_faces_challenges_as_population_ages/