We all want to live as long as we can. But, shouldn’t that longer life have good quality? Living longer as a society has some implications and effects on the whole world. When the whole world population lives longer there are economic, health, and social challenges for everyone in an overcrowded world. What are the implications of an older society? By 2045 it is estimated that there will be more people over age 60 than children.
Health Issues For Living Longer
When we live longer, we may develop health issues that are not fatal but require specialized nursing care. Age-related chronic illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and memory and cognitive issues will require nursing care. People with memory or dementia issues can get care information at parcprovence.com and other nursing care home websites. Assisted living communities have different care levels. One nursing facility might specialize in memory and dementia patients while another may care for people of sound mind with mobility issues and chronic diseases.
Since life expectancy has increased even with these challenges, it is important to find appropriate living arrangements for each senior citizen who is no longer able to live in the family home. Some older people will do beautifully in an assisted living facility where they retain some independence and have opportunities for social activities. Those with cognitive difficulties may do better in a nursing home where they have 24-hour care by nurses and other professionals.
Financial Implications of a Longer-Living Population
When a good percentage of a country’s population is over 65 and no longer working, costs for their care will keep increasing. This may strain social programs and governments. This is a serious topic of debate in the U.S.A. and other countries as well. Governments across the world must find ways to support older populations in the future. Each person deserves to live life with adequate care and good quality of life.
Governments will ultimately save money by ensuring citizens have timely access to health education, screening, and appropriate treatment for chronic diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and other conditions. Citizens must be able to age with security and dignity.
Adding Quality and Independence to Longevity
The medical profession has made great strides in elder-care and quality of life for longer living populations. Medical advances will cure or better treat many diseases attributed to aging. People can make their senior years more healthy, pain-free, and independent by living healthy lives. They should eat healthy balanced diets, get enough sleep, drink plenty of safe water, exercise all their lives, and avoid smoking and excessive drinking.
Allowing older people to remain contributing members of society will become important. Governments must recognize older citizen’s economic and social contributions to both their families and society as a whole. An aging society must take care of all of its citizens and combat the negative parts of ageism.