The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide’

Aging is a natural phenomenon. This process does not often result in healthy, active older adults who are still independent. Global life expectancy trends are increasing as countries tackle infectious diseases and improve health and living conditions. Health services must include the needs of older people. International Day of Older People is observed every year on October 10, with the aim of raising public awareness of the opportunities and challenges associated with aging and mobilizing families, community groups and stakeholders to address the challenges faced by older people. It is commemorated on the 1st of the month.

This year’s theme is “Aging with dignity: The importance of strengthening care and support systems for older people around the world” We encourage governments, policy makers and social services around the world to take concerted and sustained action to address the physical, social, psychological and health needs of older people. This commemoration also highlights the importance of promoting healthy living environments for older people, respecting their dignity, beliefs, needs and privacy, and respecting their right to make decisions about their care and quality of life. It emphasizes gender.

Based on the United Nations’ latest projections, the number of older people (defined as those aged 65 and over) will triple from around 260 million in 1980 to 761 million in 2021. Between 2021 and 2050, the global share of the elderly population is expected to increase from approximately 10% to 17%. Furthermore, by 2050, the number of people aged 65 and over worldwide is expected to be double the number of children under the age of 5, and almost equal to the number of children under the age of 12. The female advantage in life expectancy means that in almost all populations, women will outnumber men at older ages and are expected to dominate in the future.

Sri Lanka is the country with the fastest aging population in South Asia, with the proportion of people aged 60 and over accounting for 12.4% (2.5 million people) of the total population in 2012, but this is expected to double by 2041. It is predicted that this number will increase by 1 in 1 by 2012. Four of the Sri Lankans will be elderly. The increasing proportion of very elderly people is a key feature of Sri Lanka’s aging population, with 1.3% of the total population aged 80 and over in 2012, and this is expected to more than triple by 2041.

Sri Lanka’s aging population continues to increase the demand for medical services. As older adults survive, many serious consequences are expected that will lead to longer years and increased unmet health care needs. As we age, there is an increased risk of declines in physical health, sensory abilities, and cognitive abilities, leading to mental health needs and the need for long-term care, support, and rehabilitation.

The Ministry of Health of Sri Lanka is leading the overall dialogue on the review and development of the Health Master Plan for the next policy cycle 2026-2035. Healthy aging will be a key element of this policy. Better care for older people is being revisited and supported by WHO’s technology facilitation, which supports an integrated approach to managing the physical and mental health of older people through appropriate care practices integrated into primary health service delivery. Not only does this make services easier to access, but it also provides more opportunities. Socialize.

The Healthy Aging Policy Dialogue was launched with the aim of providing impactful support to build better and more resilient primary health care-centered health systems. This dialogue contributed to improved evidence-based decision-making, with the creation of a platform that supports pathways between key stakeholders. This was followed by a series of dialogues with key stakeholders, drawing on evidence synthesis, SWOT analysis, the WHO framework for the implementation of integrated care for older people, relevant global best practices, and initial policy dialogues. Overall results obtained. This model is likely to focus on integrating care through enhanced shared care cluster models. A standard package incorporating long-term care needs has been defined for integration with primary care for disadvantaged populations, along with health maintenance through existing medical director systems.

Policy dialogue on healthy aging. Photo courtesy of World Health Organization, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka will build on its existing public health system to advance its healthy aging agenda. The WHO Integrated Care of the Elderly (ICOPE) initiative led to the development of country-specific health professional training manuals by the Ministry of Health’s YED Directorate, and the formulation of the WHO Long-Term Care Package for Older People for Universal Health Coverage. It is planned that Used to support the delivery of standard packages in primary care for older people.

This process has focused on the need to address aged care in the context of the country’s current situation, where resources are constrained and disrupted by the economic crisis and the increasing exodus of health professionals.

In order to improve medical services for the elderly, it is essential to secure qualified medical professionals and caregivers for elderly care. Currently, Public Health Nursing Officers (PHNOs) play an important role in the delivery of community health services in Sri Lanka. As a first step to address health workforce challenges, WHO is supporting plans to improve the capacity of PHNOs, particularly their capacity to deliver health services to older people at the community level. The training program improves knowledge and skills in the provision of long-term care and common mental health issues for older people at community level. WHO is also conducting a comprehensive assessment of the health workforce needs of older people to inform long-term workforce development plans.

Field care by PHNO, photo credit: Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka

These measures will help countries design and implement comprehensive and holistic care services based on UHC and provide the best possible environment for older generations to live healthy and socially inclusive lives, while at the same time ensuring that governments and services Provides an opportunity for providers to influence healthcare decisions. Healthy aging and community well-being.