The challenge of an ageing population

Worldwide many developed nations are facing the challenges presented by an aging population in terms of an increased burden on health systems.

Apart from the demands made on resources and finance, there is also the worry of providing sufficient staff, appropriately trained to deal with an aging population.

These issues present a significant challenge for the future of primary health care in Australia, the U.S., Britain and many other countries.

Dr. Rob Pearce from the Australian Medical Association says the challenge is to ensure that as people age, they maintain a good quality of life.

Dr. Pearce, the chairman of the Association’s Council of General Practice, says as patients live longer, they will place an increasing burden on the health system as the longer people live, the more likely they are to develop chronic diseases which will have to treated and managed.

However experts believe many chronic diseases are preventable with the promotion of healthy diets, regular physical activity, not smoking and avoiding other harmful substances.

Dr. Pearce, who was speaking at the Australian Health Congress, says the key without a doubt, is to keep patients healthy and contain future health spending by preventing illness.

Dr. Pearce also says the nation must prepare for the ageing of the GP workforce and aim to retain older GPs in the workforce for as long as possible in order to continue to provide access to quality primary care and to also train the next generation of GPs.

According to data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, between 2001 and 2006, the proportion of Australian GPs aged 55 and over rose from 12 to 16 per cent and Dr. Pearce says the proportion of older GPs will increase significantly again in the next ten years as the baby-boomers reach retirement age.