There is now widespread agreement that all societies are facing the twin challenge of limited resources and an ageing population. It will happen at different times in different countries but this is arguably the biggest health and social care policy issue facing governments across the globe. This leaves the question of what needs to be done in response. This report Creating a Sustainable 21st Century Healthcare System by the International Longevity Centre – UK and supported by EY seeks to bring forward some potential answers to that question.
Challenges to meet, opportunities to embrace
We have identified 12 global health trends which are set to influence the present and future climate for healthcare, and which will affect the development of existing and new innovations. Non-communicable diseases, such as cancer and diabetes, are now the leading causes of disease globally and account for 63% of all deaths worldwide1 . This rise, in part due to medical developments, ageing populations and more sedentary lifestyles, has also resulted in greater numbers of people suffering from comorbidity – the presence of 2 or more chronic health conditions simultaneously.
The increased pressure on health services brought about by these rises is being exacerbated by a global shortage of healthcare workers. In 2013, there was a deficit of 7.2 million workers, a figure which is set to almost double in the next 20 years2 , with regional differences being made worse by internal and international migration. With the future need for long-term care services also set to grow as the number of older people increases, countries are likely to see greater pressures on family members to provide care.
Read the report at The International Longevity Centre – UK.