Meaning & Legacy

Many older Americans are worried sick. The good news is that we are all living longer. But the bad news is that old age carries with it a lot of chronic disease. Coping with serious illness over the long haul poses serious challenges not only for those living with the illness but for those who care for them. There are a number of health care providers around the country looking at how they can improve care for the chronically ill while reducing costs at the same time. Here in Minnesota, we are looking at some of the historical trends, and cultural and economic forces that determine how we care for (or don’t care for) our chronically sick. Through compelling case-study portraits of chronically ill patients and their families, health care providers, and local and national experts, Late Life explores the painful challenges and potential rewards facing all of us as we deal with this most difficult stage of life.