The demographic imperative

Abstract

The demographic imperative has reached the shores of dermatology. Those of us allowed the honor of treating our elderly have a great responsibility for our aging population in the years ahead. After World War II we built more schools, trained more teachers, and created more playgrounds to gear up for the explosive birth rate. Not only does the post-WorldWar II generation have more members than any other generation but will also live longer. The vast majority of people older than 70 years of age have at least one bothersome skin condition, and approximately 10% have 3-4 dermatological problems. © Springer-Verlag London Limited 2008.