Question

Analyze the implications of an ageing population on healthcare and the definition of healthy ageing.

1. An ageing population necessitates increased investment in healthcare infrastructure and specialized services, particularly for chronic diseases and elder care.
2. The rising healthcare costs associated with an ageing population are unlikely to pose a financial burden on individuals or the government.
3. Healthy ageing is defined as the ability to develop and maintain functional capacity throughout old age, ensuring overall well-being.
4. Chronological age is considered the most reliable indicator of an individual's functional capacity in old age.

• A. i, iii
• B. iii only
• C. iii, iv
• D. ii, iv

Answer 1

Answer:

A. i, iii

• The increasing proportion of elderly individuals in the population has significant implications for healthcare systems.

• It demands greater investment in healthcare infrastructure, including hospitals, clinics, and specialized care facilities, with a particular focus on managing chronic diseases and providing comprehensive elder care services.

• The escalating costs of healthcare for an ageing demographic can indeed place a substantial financial burden on both individuals and government budgets.

• The World Health Organization (WHO) defines healthy ageing not just as the absence of disease, but as the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables well-being in older age.

• This encompasses a broader range of capabilities, recognizing that chronological age alone is an insufficient measure of an individual's capacity to thrive.