As the largest generation becomes senior citizens and require home health care Massachusetts clients can expect to fare better than their counterparts. The proof that home care is America’s preferred method of health care is ever-present. The $90.9 billion North American home health care market is rising and expected to reach $130.4 billion in the next 5 years. A looming senior health crisis could be responsible.

The popularity of home health care is due in part to the increase in chronic diseases as the largest age group in the country ages. Although the baby boomer population is expected to live longer than the generation before them, they are also more likely to experience greater illness such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. The first of the baby boomer generation turned 65 in 2011, signaling the start of a possible senior health care crisis according to a report by United Health Foundation.

The report analyzed senior health state-by-state in the “America’s Health Ranking Seniors Report” that was released this week. Based on 34 different areas of health, such as physical inactivity, obesity, poverty, and hospital re-admission rates it was determined that Minnesota has the best senior health, ranking first, while Mississippi ranked 50th. The report, compiled from government data and private research, suggested several challenges that lay ahead.

Currently 13% of the population of the United States consists of people age 65 and older. By 2030, when all baby boomers have turned 65, the rate will increase to 19.3%. Twenty years later it will reach 25%. As these numbers rise, so will the incidents of chronic health conditions, with 8 in 10 seniors having at least one and half of seniors having at least two or more.

Massachusetts home health care clients and other seniors in the state showed better results than the rest of the country. The state ranked in fourth place. Some key strength of local seniors include a high prevalence of dental visits, high community support expenditures, low geriatrician shortfall and a high percentage of health screenings. The state also has one of the lowest obesity rates in the nation. Massachusetts seniors were found to have a high prevalence of chronic drinking and preventable hospitalizations however.

Despite overall good health, long term care options should still be considered by the upcoming generation of seniors. MAS Home Care offers services for home health care Massachusetts residents can rely on for support. Contact our Worcester location at 508-459-2424 or visit www.mashomecare.com to speak to someone about your health care options.