Rand Study Cites Benefits Of Chiropractic Care For The Elderly

Arlington, Va, July 23 /PRNewswire/via Individual Inc.- Senior citizens who receive chiropractic care report overall health, fewer symptomatic chronic conditions, less days in hospitals and nursing homes and more mobility than elderly non-chiropractic patients, according to a study conducted by the prestigious Rand Corp.

The three year randomized study of people 75 years or older showed 87 percent of chiropractic patients described their health status as good to excellent, compared to 67 percent of non-chiropractic patients a significant 19 percent difference. The chiropractic patients also were less likely to use prescription drugs and more likely to exercise regularly and participate in community activities.

The study revealed better overall health and higher quality of life among those who receive chiropractic care. An estimated 15 to 17 percent of a chiropractor’s practice is comprised of patients over the age 65.

In general, the chiropractic patients reported fewer health problems 15 percent fewer reported two or more chronic conditions, 22 percent fewer suffered with symptoms of arthritis, 15 percent less time in nursing homes and 21 percent less time in hospitals over the previous three years.

While people over 65 account for 12.6 percent of the population, they purchase 31 percent of all prescription medications, account for 31 percent of all hospital discharges and are responsible for 42 percent of days of care in non-federal hospitals.

The number of people over the age 85 will double, creating a potentially devastating effect on our health care system. A healthier older population could translate into savings of billions of   health care dollars annually.