Special medical concerns in the dental management of older adults.

By the year 2040, older adults will account for approximately 21% of the population of the United States, a significant increase from 1900 (4%) and 1990 (12%). The most rapidly growing segment of the United States population is people aged 85 and older. Currently, 85% of individuals over 65 have one or more chronic illnesses, while 30% have three or more. These individuals and their illnesses account for more than 33% of this country's health care costs.