Whitepaper: Healthcare strategies for an ageing society

The fact that the world’s population is ageing rapidly is old news. Driven by falling fertility rates and a sustained increase in longevity, many countries—especially in the developed world—are now bracing themselves for the fact that their fastest-growing demographic is over 80. Moreover, the linear trend that life expectancies have followed for over a century is set to continue.

Of course, any demographic shift brings social and economic challenges with it. And healthcare systems are not exempt from this. The notion of a greying population is usually framed in terms of the added demands and pressures they will bring. But although there will be challenges in adjusting, the overall picture is far from bleak if policymakers enact sensible change. On the individual level, an increased lifespan is welcome news to most. Although many of those living longer do have long-term conditions, they are also showing a heartening ability to manage them—and data suggest that the onset of the most severe disabilities may be coming later in life. In other words, old age is not itself a disease. While the baby boomers will live longer than any generation before them, they are not necessarily happy to retire at 65 and count the days until they have to enter a nursing home.

However, the eventual impact will largely be determined by policymakers enacting sensible changes. After conducting this study, the Economist Intelligence Unit made three important recommendations: incorporate more geriatric training in medical training consider home or community-based alternatives in addition to nursing homes; and develop more drugs designed for ageing bodies.

Download the full report to get the Economist Intelligence Unit's analysis on the latest thinking relating to provision of healthcare for ageing societies.

Read the advertorial on this report here. 

Back to top of page

v 2.0.36