Having fun with data. The change in hospitals and hospital beds since 1975 perplexes me. Explain to me what is going on.

In 1975 there were 7,156 hospitals (Federal and Non-Federal--which would be State, Local and Private) in the US.  In 2011 there were 5,747.  A decrease of 20%.

In 1975 there were 1,465,828 hospital BEDS (Federal and Non-Federal).  In 2011 there were 924,333.  A decrease of 37%.

In 1975 the US population was 216,000,000  . In 2011 it was 311,000,000.  An INCREASE of 44%

If you look at the line that is highlighted in GOLD you see the number of beds at very small facilities have increases by 2,000 BUT at every other bed range there have been decreases.  Some small, some large decreases but decreases nonetheless.

Our population is greater.  Demographics have trended much older. There are FEWER hospitals and beds when the demand, it seems to me, is effectively much higher.

Did this surprise you? Did me. I am kinda at a loss to explain it.  Any ideas?

Source: Centers for Disease Control (CDC)