Older Americans are a rapidly growing segment of our population and present
unique health problems. Although life expectancy is increasing and disabil
ity is currently decreasing in the elder population as a whole, socioeconom
ic and environmental resources are lacking for many elders. This lack of re
sources added to physiologic decline places elders at increased risk for he
alth problems. Nurses need to expand their traditional, individualistic vie
w of health care and incorporate a broader, social perspective in order to
provide adequate health care for the vulnerable population.