Similarly, another population trend in is aging. Life expectancy in nearly every nation
has increased. In 2000, the World Health Organization noted that global life expectancy was
65.5 years, nearly six years longer than in 1980 (Bonita & Mathers, 2003). Moreover, by 2050,
there will be approximately two billion people over the age of 60, and the global median age will
have increased from 28 (in 2007) to 38. (United Nations Department of Economic and Social
Affairs, 2007). Elderly tend to utilize health care resources more often than people under the age
of 65. As such, the shift in demographics should be an indicator that utilization of health
services is likely to increase. However, despite increased likelihood of use, there are many
determinants which can create unmet need for health services. For example, physical disability
has been shown to be a significant predictor of health care utilization among elderly. Elderly
who are disabled are less likely to access care than are physically healthy older adults (Linden,
Horgas, Gilberg, & Steinhagen-Thiessen, 1997). Although seemingly self explanatory, as global
population continues to age, health care organizations must recognize the determinants and
impediments to health care utilization.