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.