England’s Chief Medical Officer, Prof Sir Chris Whitty, has warned the UK of an ageing crisis and the need for the healthcare system to step in, in his annual report. The report states that people are living longer but many live with bad health for much of their later years. With projections predicting a “boom” in the elderly population in rural and coastal areas, these regions risk being left behind regarding healthcare provisions due to their lack of resources. On average, age-related issues emerge ten years earlier in impoverished regions compared to other areas. As a result, it is an absolute priority for healthcare services and environments for older adults to be made available in these locations as much of the NHS’s work currently revolves around serving an ageing population, and this is expected to increase.
According to Sir Chris’s report, people are living longer as compared to a century ago, and it is a massive accomplishment for both medicine and public health. However, the focus must be on quality, not quantity. The report suggests that major action in two areas could help improve quality of life for the elderly. First, policies to reduce disease and disability, helping people stay fit, engage in physical activities, and eat well. Second, make housing, transport, and other parts of the environment more elderly-friendly in a bid to help them live as independently as possible. Housing not designed for the elderly population remains a significant obstacle. By 2050, a quarter of the population will be over 65 and, with the current housing situation, will find it unsuitable for their needs.
The report suggests that the conversation about what care the elderly do and do not want must be had. Sometimes improving the quality of life in older age needs less medication and treatment, not more, and doctors should refrain from over-treating. Older people should make choices about what care they want and refuse medication if it is unnecessary. The report also recommends that an ageing strategy be created by the government, including the appointment of a minister for older people to drive change. Age UK CEO, Paul Farmer, expressed his concerns over issues arising from the failure to invest in the right services, which leads to worse outcomes for older people and entirely avoidable problems. As a result, he calls on creating adequate social care and community services to enable people to stay safe and well at home to relieve the burden on hospitals. None of these issues are inevitable, and getting it right would have immeasurable benefits.
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