Gerontology & Geriatric Research

Abstract

Restructuring Geriatric Care and Management: Need of the Day

Rajesh Chauhan

Restructuring geriatric care and management is an urgent necessity once it is known to all of us by this recent study that expects the life expectancy to be rising considerably, and that of South Korean women to break the barrier of 90 years by 2030 [1]. Life expectancy has been rising steadily, and this recent research results has made headlines in the BBC, CNN, and all other top news channels around the world. As such this is quite commendable for life expectancy to be moving up so sZiіl\ across many parts of the world, but on the other hand to some healthcare administrators and planners it may be a cause for some consternation as well. For sure, this increase in life expectancy will place additional responsibilities and would stretch the available resources, unless we plan to upgrade and increase our present resources. Нere would be factors which cannot be ignored, like financiall\ viability, easily accessibility, adequate, prompt, round the clock, sustainable, result oriented, caring and satisfactory management of morbidities in the elderly population. Making the situation somewhat more diٹcult would be that all of those morbidities would come overlapped and intertwined with increasing frailty and senescence as well, where drastic measures cannot be undertaken, thereby leaving little room for maneuvering. Going by this news, future really holds great responsibilities and even higher expectations from Geriatricians and Gerontologists. Lest we miss out, it’s definitel\ a time to brace up and start preparing to meet the demands, expectations, and the challenges ahead. Нe year 2030 is not too far from now when we start seeing the 90 mark being crossed and therefore suitable gearing up and restructuring would be necessary while we still have the time to face the challenges and shortfalls. It will be a time for integrated care, with special emphasis on multi-morbidity, avoidance of poly-pharmacy, and of physical and cognitive impairment.