A World Health Organization Report says “The proportion of the population aged 60 years and over will increase from 12.4% in 2010 to 28% in 2040.” This simple factual data implies that the challenges in providing better care for an aging population will increase in the upcoming time. Since the population is aging, providing care for older people is a major concern for younger generations and social systems. Some common senior care challenges are:
- Diversity in physical and social environments around elderly
- Lack of a comprehensive public healthcare response
- Gender-based social care inequalities
- Ageist attitude and discrimination
- Financial dependency on the younger generation
- Mental health challenges
Social Challenges of an Aging Population
In general, society has some stereotypes about people who have grown old. They are mostly considered unproductive and burdensome. This leads to greater senior care challenges for people who have once contributed to building society. This neglect of the older population can be addressed through innovative ways to engage them in mainstream social life. We can help old people become independent and give them a sense of purposefulness to lead a normal life.
Retirement and Financial Dependency
The life expectancy around the world has increased due to scientific advancement and their reach to the society. However, the social security schemes, employment, and economic organizations have not evolved to tackle the emerging long-term care challenges for the retiring population. Managing daily life expenses becomes a challenge for people past retirement though many of them of capable of and willing to work. Online transaction systems are making them further alienated and prone to fraud.
Difficulty Mobility & Age-Related Complications
Another big challenge in providing better care to the aging population is declining mobility after a certain age. This prevents them from mingling with friends or family members living away, and also pursuing their activities. With the increasing aging population and healthcare challenges, there is also a caregiver shortage willing to work empathetically with elderlies in need. Hence, healthcare providers like ACG Medical Supply are bringing quality medical supplies and medical aid for old people, especially patients. Innovative recliner chairs and pain relief supplies are designed to make people independent and fit, helping them further thrive as an individual.
Finding the Right Care Provision
Additional care for elderly people is required to enable them with greater balance and day-to-day activities. One of the biggest senior care challenges is caregiver shortage and lack of affordable long-term care. In most cases, caregivers are family members who lack medical training, resources, and empathy for aging people. Besides, they also strain themselves to balance their necessities and caregiving. Creating a pool of professional elderly caregivers can help bridge this gap between the aging population and healthcare.
Apathetic Healthcare Services
The apathetic services and complicated processes to access healthcare around the world are further leaving the aging population grasping at straws. The complicated health structure for elderly care is increasing long-term care challenges for societies. The healthcare system is required to be more sensitized, trained, and vigilant, besides maintaining a supply of healthcare provisions including medications. This is specifically true for the less developed countries, marginalized ethnicities, and people living in rural or remote areas that lack healthcare infrastructure.
How to Strategize Better Care for Elderlies?
To help overcome these challenges a sound strategy with a focus on social structure, financial marginalization, and healthcare inclusion can be built.
- Incorporating essential healthcare
- Long-term care facilities for elderlies
- Providing mobility equipment
- Early diagnosis of mental health challenges & diseases
- Healthcare insurance policies with end-of-life preparations
- Ensuring community sensitization and participation
- Providing training to caregivers
- Encouraging area-specific pilot programs with the help of civil society and NGOs
- Strengthening healthcare to prevent chronic diseases and disability
In response to the social challenges of an aging population, the United Nations has declared 2021-2030 a UN Decade for Healthy Aging. World’s premier health organization, WHO implements the strategies for collaborative action to overcome these senior care challenges. Civil society in collaboration with healthcare agencies, NGOs, and administrative institutions needs to come forward to make an inclusive society where elderly people can get a valued life.
If you are here in the hope of better caregiving provisions for someone dear to you or for yourself, ACG Medical Supply can assist you in getting the best products for elderly care. Get rehabilitation tools, pain relief equipment, or mobility aids like a wheelchair; to make the life of an elderly livelier.