Why the 85+ Generation Needs More Than Doctor Visits

A new national report, The Growing Demand for Age-Friendly Care (2024), highlights a powerful shift in American life: we’re living longer than ever before, but not always healthier. The population of adults aged 85 and older is the fastest-growing group in the country, and many are living with chronic conditions, mobility challenges, or memory loss that affect their daily lives far beyond what a doctor’s appointment can address.

While medical care focuses on treating illness, it often doesn’t support the parts of daily living that truly define quality of life—preparing meals, maintaining personal hygiene, preventing falls, or simply having someone to talk to. These needs may seem small, but they’re the foundation of independence and dignity.

That’s where compassionate, non-medical caregivers make all the difference. At Overture Home Care, our caregivers are the steady hands and kind hearts who bring comfort, safety, and connection to the people we serve. They notice the little things—a favorite breakfast, a preferred chair, a moment of confusion—and respond with care and respect. Whether it’s helping with bathing, providing transportation, or offering companionship, our team is there to ensure clients continue to live meaningfully in the place they call home.

The research is clear: social connection and emotional support are just as important to aging well as medical treatment. For older adults who live alone or far from family, a caregiver often becomes a trusted presence and a vital link to the outside world.

At Overture, we believe aging well means more than managing health—it means being seen, heard, and cared for every day. As our 85+ population grows, we’re committed to meeting the moment with compassion and excellence, helping older adults live fully, safely, and joyfully in their own homes.

Because living longer should also mean living better.

Pictured above: Teresa Wagner, DrPH, MS, CPH, RD/LD, CPPS, FNAP, CHWI, DipACLM, CHWC, CPCHEDr. Kate Taylor, DNP, FNP-C, CPPS, FNAP and Paige Wolk, LBSW, CDP

blog By Dr. Kate Taylor, DNP, FNP-C, CPPS, FNAP