WIESBADEN – As reported by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), the population aged 65 years and over accounted for about EUR 111.1 billion of cost of illness in 2006, that is for 47% of the total cost of illness in Germany. This is shown by the most recent results of the cost of illness accounts, an accounting system of the Federal Statistical Office that serves to evaluate the economic consequences of diseases for Germany's national economy.
Experts cite various reasons for high cost of illness in old age, for example, the increased occurrence of polymorbidity, the need for long-term nursing care and the more intensive use of medical and pharmaceutical services. A number of studies have also shown that a large proportion of the resources are used during the last year of life, irrespective of age. Hence, the high cost of illness of older people may also be explained by the mortality rates that increase with age.
For further information please call: Bonn Branch Office, Manuela Nöthen, tel: (+49-611) 75-8231,
