We all know that the Boomer generation, by its sheer numbers and projected utilization, will change our healthcare system forever.
But will Boomer's burgeoning medical demands foment a healthcare crisis? Or will they use their clout to demand and drive much-needed reform?
Recently I saw a television commercial for "Divided We Fail." It led me to a grassroots campaign that's growing rapidly right under our feet.
AARP has joined forces with organizations that represent 53 million Americans to fight bipartisan gridlock over healthcare reform. They've put together a communications arsenal that includes everything you'd expect and a lot more. A distinctive brand and icon. Invitations to sign a pledge. Town meetings. Personal stories of healthcare strife. A stirring anthem sung by Aretha Franklin. Voter registration. Opt-in for e-newsletters. YouTube. V-cards. E-cards. And links galore, all at www.DividedWeFail.org.
The July/August issue of AARP: The Magazine shouts a battle cry for healthcare reform. The article calls out provocative statistics on American healthcare:
- $500 billion is spent annually on unnecessary care.
- 30,00 Medicare recipients die each year as the result of unneeded care.
- 50% of surgeries, test and procedures are not backed by scientific evidence.
As the presidential election approaches, the Divided We Fail movement will surely spread like wildfire. The other half of their motto is "together we can do anything."
I agree. Intuition tells me that collectively the Boomers will become a catalyst for change long before they become a burden of catastrophic proportions.
What do you think? Will the Boomers help sink the system or save it?
— Tom DeSanto
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