Study: Most patients aged 45 and older

The majority of office visits in 2008 were by patients aged 45 years and older, according to a study released in August by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics.

The percentage of the U.S. population aged 45 and older increased from 33% to 38% from 1998 to 2000, while the percentage of physician visits made by patients aged 45 and older increased from 49% to 57%

These patients also increased their share of total medications prescribed or continued, from 60% to 70%.