Health and Long-Term Care Needs in a Context of Rapid Population Aging

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - The paper identifies key challenges in health care and long-term care as populations age, particularly in developing countries where rapid demographic transitions are occurring [6][14] - A holistic strategy is needed to strengthen health care and long-term care systems, focusing on universal care coverage and shifting from a disease-centered to a person-centered approach [15][16] - The importance of promoting healthy lifestyles throughout the life course is emphasized, as early health choices significantly impact aging [15][16] Summary by Sections Overview - Population aging increases the likelihood of disease, disability, and loss of functional autonomy, putting pressure on health care and long-term care systems [13][19] - Developing countries face unique challenges due to rapid demographic transitions and resource constraints, necessitating proactive government interventions [20][19] Main Trends in Longevity - Global average life expectancy at birth rose from 47.0 years in 1950 to 72.6 years in 2019, with projections indicating it will reach 77.1 years by 2050 [23][24] - The share of individuals aged 65 and older is expected to rise from 9% in 2019 to 16% by 2050, with significant increases in middle-income countries [26][23] Aging, Health, and the Challenges for Health Care Systems - Population aging leads to a rise in chronic diseases and multimorbidity, complicating health care delivery [41] - Health care systems must adapt to ensure coverage, access, and affordability while shifting towards a person-centered, holistic approach [41][42] - The prevalence of chronic diseases is projected to increase significantly, with 83% of global deaths expected to be caused by chronic diseases by 2060 [43][42] Increasing Risk of Functional Dependency and Challenges for Long-Term Care Systems - There is a rising need for long-term care services due to increasing functional dependency among older adults [17][18] - Long-term care services should be accessible, affordable, and person-centered, promoting home care options [17][18] - Integration between social care and health care sectors is crucial for efficient service delivery [18] Final Remarks and Key Policy Considerations - The report calls for increased coordination between health and social care sectors and emphasizes the need for capacity building among human resources in these fields [18] - Addressing distributional issues related to aging, such as gender gaps and socioeconomic inequalities, is essential for effective policy responses [39][40]