We are living longer today, yet with increasing age, we
are also more likely to live with chronic illness and
disability. Current estimates indicate that approximately
80% of people age 65 and older have at least 1
chronic illness, such as heart disease, diabetes, or
arthritis,1 and that the number of older adults with
multiple chronic illnesses is substantial.2These chronic
illnesses often involve pain, functional limitations, and
the need for long-term self-management of symptoms.
Chronic conditions not only impact the quality of life of
older adults, but are also associated with considerable
economic cost with estimates that 75% of health care
costs in the United States are the result of chronic
illness.3 In a time of dwindling resources, we will be
required to provide quality care to a larger number
of older adults with multiple health problems and
complex health care needs. To address these issues in
the future, research should focus on older adults with
multiple chronic illnesses rather than just 1 illness, as
this scenario best represents the typical older patient. In
addition, as nurses we are in a unique position to
communicate with older adults and their families about
effective self-management strategies to maintain independence,
functioning, and mental and physical health.