  The first baby boomer born in 1946 turned 65 in 2011 and the last baby boomer
will turn 65 in 2029. By then, the total U.S. population over 65 is projected
to be 71.5 million (compared with 44.6 million in 2013). The current (2014)
median cost of a nursing home is $226 a day ($82,490 per year), while assisted
living is $3500 a month ($42,000 per year). While the elderly population
continues to get larger and costs will continue to rise, nearly ninety percent
(90%) of people want to grow old in their own home and community and remain out
of the hospital, nursing home or other institutional setting. New technologies
could potentially allow older adults and people with disabilities to remain in
their homes longer, reduce health care costs and enhance the quality of life.
  In summary, there is a need for a new generation of research that addresses
the complexity of supporting the quality of life and independence of a vast,
diverse, and aging population. While there are common themes and needs in this
research that we describe shortly, we must start by recognizing that there is
more than one needed path and approach to meet these diverse needs. One path
includes the tight integration of chronic disease management in the home with
existing acute healthcare systems. Another path embraces comprehensive home
health for improving nutrition and social connectedness while combating
physical, cognitive and psychological ailments. Yet another path emphasizes
wellness, consumer technologies and removing basic barriers to meaningful
community participation. These paths will intersect in interesting ways for
individuals, families, healthcare providers, and communities. However research
is critically needed to illuminate these paths and to make measurable strides
in our care and support for over 15% of our nation's citizens.
