Not All Elderly Are Healthier, Wealthier

Re: “As America Ages, Elderly Seen as Healthier, Wealthier” (Feb. 12):

What a bunch of political propaganda! Ms. Campbell must not be studying the same statistics gerontologists and directors of aging programs do. The fastest growing segment of the population is that aged 85+, then 75+, then 65+. Eighty percent of these have at least one chronic health problem. They do not necessarily need catastrophic help . . . but help with the activities of daily living (ADLs), i.e., personal care, help with meals, shower, transportation and shopping in order to remain in their homes.

Medicare and private health insurance policies do not help with these ADLs, and the middle class who have worked the hardest and are supporting more of the non-working are hit the hardest. Reverse mortgages are not the bright spot they are cracked up to be--a lot of seniors do not want to give their childrens’ inheritance away.

I am certain that the government will put health care into the private sector. It sure would be wise if they untied all the strings first so the creative ones could get started before all the frail, sick elderly are dead and gone. In the future, please do some background research before presenting such a ludicrous article.

Hands-on home health care workers and myself, daily attend to the needs of the frail and often homebound elderly to help them stay “independent,” and we know how few can really afford to maintain their “in-home care.”

ELANA PETERS

Newport Beach

Peters, a gerontologist, is director of senior services for Doctors & Nurses Home Nursing Care Inc.