Americans are living longer and healthier than ever.  The average American woman age 65 can expect to live more than 19 additional years.  The average American man age 65 can expect to live an additional 16 years.  The proportion of older Americans with disabilities continues to decline improving the quality of life for seniors.  The downside to this positive health and longevity picture for American seniors is the dramatic increase in obesity.  This increase could mean growing health problems and reduced life expectancy if the trend is not reversed.  These health gains are not shared by all.  There continues to be disparities in health and longevity between groups of Americans based on economics, education levels, and ethnicity.  These disparities need to be addressed.

Source: Older Americans 2004: Key Indicators of Well-Being, National Center for Health Statistics