Typology of public coverage for long-term care in OECD countries

Abstract

The importance of long-term care (LTC) - that is, care for people dependent on help for daily living activities1 - as measured by cost and utilization is growing in all high-income countries. This is a direct consequence of population ageing and, in particular, the growing number of very old people in the population. The share of the population aged over 80 years old, currently at around 4 per cent on average according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), is expected to triple to 11-12 per cent by 2050 (Figure 2.1). The sheer number of elderly that need assistance in carrying out activities of daily living is growing as a result.