The increase in life expectancy in the country has led to newer health challenges in the community. What are those challenges and what steps need to be taken to meet them? (150 words) [2022]
The increase in life expectancy in a country can lead to a number of newer health challenges in the community. Some of the key challenges that may arise in this context are as follows:
- Non-communicable diseases: As people live longer, they may be more prone to developing non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and stroke. These diseases can have a significant impact on the quality of life of older people and can also place a burden on the healthcare system.
- Mental health: The increase in life expectancy may also lead to an increase in the prevalence of mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. These conditions can have a significant impact on the well-being and functionality of older people.
- Geriatric care: As the population ages, there may be a need for specialized geriatric care to meet the needs of older people. This may include the provision of long-term care, rehabilitation services, and palliative care.
To meet these challenges, a number of steps may be necessary. These may include:
- Development of policies and programs to promote healthy aging,
- Strengthening of healthcare systems to address the needs of older people,
- Provision of support and services to enable older people to live independently and with dignity.
- Additionally, there may be a need to increase awareness and understanding of the health challenges faced by older people, and to develop targeted interventions to address these challenges.
