Conditions of Older People: National Information System Needed

The older population of this country is increasing both in number and in percentage of the total population. This increase in population of older people will magnify the problems they face. To alleviate many of these problems, Congress has enacted numerous laws to establish programs providing help to the growing number of older people. Congress and the executive branch need information to design and plan for the delivery of services to older persons. Currently this information is spread piecemeal throughout Federal, State, local, and private agencies. A national information system is needed to evaluate the combined efforts of current services, and to assess the impact of various laws on the lives of older people.