Reports show improvements in the health of US older people and children

The health of adults in the US has improved substantially over the past few years, for older people as well as younger age groups, according to two new reports from the National Center for Health Statistics, part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Older Americans 2010: key indicators of well-being describes the overall health status of US citizens aged over 65 years. It consolidates reports from several government agencies.

During 2006-8 75% of people aged 65 years and older reported their health as “good,” “very good,” or “excellent.” This declined with age, with only 66% of people who were 85 or older reporting good or better health.

Life expectancies at the ages of both 65 and 85 had increased between 1900 to 2006. US citizens who live to 65 live another 18.5 …