Essay Example on Growing Older: How Healthcare is Adapting to an Aging Population

It is imperative to note that currently, the global population includes older adults today than before. For example, in the United States, over the past century, the percentage of persons aged 65 years and above increased more than thrice, which was from the initial 4.1% to about 12.9% (Atkins, 2017). As a result, this has led to increased debates on how health care can introduce innovative roles for the health care system as well as public health concerning the increasing needs of the aging population which has led to a strain in the available resources in almost all the sectors in the economy (Atkins, 2017). The purpose of this paper is to comprehensively discuss the issue of the growing aging population by looking at the various needs of older adults by comparing those living in rural areas to those in urban areas. Further, the paper will discuss the multiple impacts that this issue has on the economy, health care system, as well as the role of caregivers concerning this issue. Also, a discussion on various preparation methods that nations, states, and city-states can employ to curb this issue will be discussed considering the multiple efforts that can be put in place. Lastly, on the need to prepare for this issue, a discussion on how individuals can prepare for the various needs of the older adults in their families will be evaluated.

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It cannot be denied that as people get older, they easily become vulnerable. Because of this, their needs become more complex, thereby requiring more support and help to meet these needs (Atkins, 2017). For example, older adults are more likely to suffer mental health problems than the rest of the population. Some of the particular needs of older adults include emotional needs where older adults should be accorded a sense of belonging and feel valued and cared for. Another important need is the physical need to be provided with shelters, good hygiene, and exercise. Also, the social need is an essential need for older adults as they should have a good relationship with the family and proper interaction with outsiders (Atkins, 2017). The last is the intellectual needs, where the older adults should be given the opportunities to learn and acquire knowledge. However, because of the varying environments, the needs of older adults in rural areas differ from those of urban areas. However, variations within the aging population exist because the level of support that older people require varies depending on factors like the extent of physical disability they have, the illnesses they suffer from and if there are any issues with mental health problems (Atkins, 2017). All these are some of the variations that exist within aging populations.

The aging population indeed has serious negative impacts on the economy (Acemoglu & Restrepo, 2017). The harmful nature of this population on economic growth structures is mainly due to reduced labor participation rate, which is significantly reflected in the increased social security taxes leading to slow down in the level of a country’s productivity. Another related impact of this issue on the economic structure of a country is the deteriorating fiscal balance, shortage of labor supply, and changes in the investment and saving patterns as a lot of resources are used to take care of older adults (Acemoglu & Restrepo, 2017). Understandably, in the developing economies, this problem raises social and economic challenges, which are in terms of slower growth and fiscal sustainability, especially before sufficient development.

As regards the healthcare system, the issue of the aging population has had unprecedented impacts too. One of these challenges is the shortage of experienced healthcare professionals (Acemoglu & Restrepo, 2017). Also, there is a likelihood of an increase in the incidence of obesity. Another impact that has been experienced in the health care system is the increased focus on the care of a single disease. Increased resource need has also continued to increase across the healthcare system (Acemoglu & Restrepo, 2017). Consequently, because of changes in the family structures brought about by the increased aging population, caregivers' role has been greatly impacted because this issue has led to a reduced number of family caregivers. It should be understood that this is mainly because the number has been strained (Acemoglu & Restrepo, 2017).

As opposed to the general economy, a growing number of older adults has greatly influenced the labor market (Acemoglu & Restrepo, 2017). It cannot be denied that the labor market requires a young, strong, and energetic population who can provide the needed labor. Because of the increased aging population, production has tremendously reduced, especially in the agricultural sector in the developing countries that depend entirely on manual labor. Equally, education systems have also been affected (Acemoglu & Restrepo, 2017).

To prepare for this large shift in the number of older adults, national governments should employ various strategies. For example, the health care system must take care of challenges like adjusting and adapting to different Affordable Care Act like preparing for new technologies aimed at increasing the training of more health care providers (Rowe et al., 2016). Other national efforts should be through introducing policies that allow pensions for low-income earners, increasing the capacity of private sectors in the provision of health care and pensions as well as strategies to increase income tax that will help to pay for the pension costs. Also, the education system should be geared towards generating more effective and efficient human capital capable of improving both quality and result coverage. Finally, the national government should ensure that women and older adults are included in the labor market to improve production activities (Rowe et al., 2016).

However, various States and cities are capable of employing the same efforts in coordination to the national governments to ensure that these preparations are established at the grassroots level; hence citizens can have direct contact with them (Rowe et al., 2016). One such preparation can be promoting and rewarding caring, volunteering, and artistic work among older adults. Individuals can also prepare for the needs of older adults in their families by ensuring that they have family meetings with them where they can be asked about their health status and other issues concerning them. Also, an individual can assess the need for older adults and come up with an appropriate solution regarding the feedback from the meeting (Rowe et al., 2016). Lastly, providing financial resources is another way an individual can prepare for the needs of older adults.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the growing aging population is a major issue that continues to impact the United States and other developing countries worldwide. As a result, the effects have been felt on the economic system through reduced productivity and strain on the few available resources. As regards healthcare, this issue has posed a lot of challenges too. Problems like inadequately experienced professionals have been felt. Other sectors like education and agriculture have also felt the negative impacts of the growing aging population. However, the paper has discussed appropriate measures and efforts that should be taken by various stakeholders to ensure that the problems facing older adults are contained.

References

Acemoglu, D., & Restrepo, P. (2017). Secular stagnation? The effect of aging on economic growth in the age of automation. American Economic Review, 107(5), 174-79. www.pubs.aeaweb.org/doi/pdfplus/10.1257/aer.p20171101

Atkins, G. L. (2017). Aging in America: An agenda for an era of new possibilities. Generations, 40(4), 6-8. www.ingentaconnect.com/content/asag/gen/2017/00000040/00000004/art00002

Rowe, J. W., Fulmer, T., & Fried, L. (2016). Preparing for better health and health care for an aging population. Jama, 316(16), 1643-1644. www.jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2556000