Segal Institute for Clinical Research Investigators conduct Phase I-IV research
studies for most medical and CNS conditions affecting geriatric patients residing in
nursing homes. Segal Institute's success in conducting nursing home trials is largely
due to the Optimum Aging program at Compass Health Systems. Optimum Aging is comprised of a group of
psychiatrists, internists and therapists that specialize in servicing nursing home
patients in South Florida. Over 75 nursing homes and assisted living facilities contract
with
Compass' Optimum Aging program enabling Segal Institute unparalleled access
to this niche population.
Since the oldest Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964) turned 60 years old in 2006,
Florida's population of people aged 60+ years has grown to 23%. Florida is
currently ranked the number one state in the United States for people aged 65+
years, with 16.8% of its population falling into that category. According to recent
studies, the older population will be increasing dramatically in the next 18 years.
The number of people aged 65+ years is expected to reach 71.5 million by 2020,
compared to 35 million in 2000. In Florida alone, the older population of people
aged 65+ years is expected to reach 19.5% in 2015 and 27.1% in 2030.
(This is compared to 17.6% in 2000.) Furthermore, the longevity of this population
is also increasing, thus people are living longer for a greater period of time than
any other time in history. Consequently, the need to find treatment for disorders
such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and hypertension is increasing at
the same rate. The Segal Institute Investigators conducting research in nursing
homes are proud to play an important role in the advancement of treatment options
in this growing segment of our population.
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