Healthcare for older people in Asia

Abstract

Populations in Asian developed economies are rapidly ageing, such that, currently, Hong Kong and Japan have the longest life expectancy at birth for both men and women. However, extended lifespan is not necessarily accompanied by prolongation of health span, such that there is increasing prevalence of frailty and dependency, which translates into increase in complex health and social needs as well as increase in absolute numbers of older adults that require such needs. Consideration of social determinants of healthy ageing would be important in the design of equitable health and social care systems. There is a trend towards development of integrated medical social care in the community in Asian countries. Long-term care insurance and also philanthropic support play a role in the financing of such care models.