Government Report: Most Senior Deaths Happen Outside Hospitals

Twenty-first century senior care is different than its 1900s counterpart. According to a recent government report, so are 21st century senior deaths.

The sixth annual Older Americans report says that since 1980, the number of people over 65 who have trouble doing daily tasks such as walking and bathing has plummeted by 41 percent, reports The Advisory Board Company. Plus:

Only 4% of individuals 65 and over currently live in nursing homes and just 32% of deaths in this age group occur in a hospital. In 1999, nearly 50% of these deaths took place in a hospital.

A little good news about aging.

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Leigh Ann Otte is a freelance writer who specializes in health and aging issues. She covers finding and paying for senior care for OurParents. If you have any questions about this post or need help finding senior-care options for a loved one, call 1-866-483-4896 to speak with a care advisor in your area.