The impact of an aging population on social care

As the population grows older and continues to increase, the healthcare and social services that are in place may need to be changed drastically. Are we ready to face this potential transformation? Globally, human life spans are getting longer and individuals are living into their 60s, 70s, and beyond. Each nation is experiencing a rise in the amount and proportion of seniors in its population.

A study on global health and aging by the World Health Organization (WHO) forecasts that the population of individuals aged 65 and over will surge from an average of 524 million in 2010 to 1.5 billion in 2050, with this mostly occurring in developing countries. In addition, by 2050, the number of people aged 65 and older is projected to exceed the population of those under five years old.

The WHO attributes a large number of elderly persons in the population to the change from fatal infectious diseases to chronic and non-communicable ailments. These continuous ailments, such as hypertension, elevated cholesterol, arthritis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, dementia and congestive heart failure, are now able to be managed or improved through present medical breakthroughs, thus increasing life expectancy.

We must therefore ask, what impact does an aging population have on health and social services?

It may be possible for those with a degree in health and social care to provide a better response. However, let’s explore further to see what the research has to say.

The impact of an aging population on social care

With the number of elderly citizens growing rapidly, the strain on medical and social support systems is also growing. Governments and medical providers are having to adjust to meet the needs of an aging population. Healthcare services and social services are being put to the test as they attempt to provide the best possible care for seniors. The increasing need for care and support for the elderly is becoming a major issue in many countries.

The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion states that the first baby boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) reached the age of 65 in 2011. It is estimated that by 2030, more than 60% of this age group will be managing multiple chronic illnesses. This carries a financial burden for our health and social care systems, with the costs increasing in relation to the number of chronic conditions needing to be treated. It is predicted that baby boomers are going to need to make twice as many hospital visits and doctor appointments by 2030.

The WHO’s research has suggested that an increase in life expectancy could potentially lead to a decrease in the rate of disabilities, as medical advancements would prevent chronic illnesses from transitioning into disabilities. This would mean fewer individuals with severe disabilities, yet more with chronic conditions of lesser severity. Contrarily, other studies theorize that life expectancy increases will also cause an increase in the prevalence of impairments.

The health and social care system is anticipated to confront certain health issues as the population ages. Such conditions include the following.

Cancer

By 2020, the number of cancer diagnoses had increased to 17 million, and it is predicted that this figure will reach 27 million by 2030 due to an aging population.

Dementia

This is a condition that affects a person’s mental capacity, leading to memory loss, difficulty in communication and difficulty in performing daily tasks. It is a progressive and degenerative disorder that can have a serious impact on a person’s life.

In line with the growing demographic of elderly people, it is anticipated that the occurrence of dementia will similarly increase. Alzheimer’s Disease International forecasts that by 2050, a total of 139 million people will have Alzheimer’s disease/dementia worldwide. The organization also predicts that many of these individuals will be in underprivileged nations.

Increase in falls

The elderly are among those at the highest risk of injury from falls, so it is expected to put a strain on our health and social care system. This is because the baby boomer generation is living longer and being more active, as well as potentially taking medications for conditions that can increase the risk of falls.

Obesity

The number of people identified as obese is on the rise, leading to a strain on our health and social care system. Not only is excess weight a major contributing factor to many medical issues, but it is also costly, with obese individuals costing 34% more than those with a healthy weight in the healthcare system.

Diabetes 

Diabetes has become a global health concern, with its prevalence increasing significantly over the past few decades. This metabolic disorder is characterized by high blood sugar levels, which can be caused by a lack of insulin production, improper use of insulin, or both. It can lead to serious complications, such as heart disease, stroke and nerve damage, if left untreated.

As the world’s population grows older, the percentage of people aged 65 and above with diabetes increases correspondingly. Approximately 33% of those in this age group have diabetes, and they are more likely to experience problems related to the condition, such as hypoglycemia, renal failure and cardiac issues, than younger individuals who have the same condition.

Challenges for health and social care workers with the increase in senior citizens

The aging population has brought the potential of increased medical costs and the need for more social care and services for elderly individuals. The discrepancy between working age people and senior citizens due to changing dependence ratios is becoming a major concern. 

Healthcare requirements will increase as a result of the issues related to growing older. It is anticipated that healthcare costs will continue to surge until 2070 due to the increases in life expectancy, despite the fact that people’s health quality may not necessarily improve. 

The following are a few possible difficulties that the health and social care degree system could encounter in the near future:

• An augmentation in the requirement for resources will be seen in all healthcare facilities.
• The amount of people affected by obesity is projected to increase.
• It is predicted that there will be a deficit of social care workers.
• The aging population may result in a lack of care workers due to the ratio imbalance.
• Rather than focusing attention on a single ailment, treating simultaneous illnesses will be prioritized.
• Changes in the makeup of the family unit may lead to a decrease in the number of caregivers in the family.
• Adjusting to and accepting the Affordable Care Act will be harder than anticipated.

What strategies can the social care sector use to address the challenges?

In order to cater to the increasing elderly demographic, the health and social care system must address the various issues. They should offer programs that prepare healthcare personnel with the appropriate training and examine the impact of technology on social care.

The health and social care sector must take steps to prepare for a greater incidence of chronic illnesses in the aging demographic. As the number of chronic conditions among people in this age group increases, so also does the complexity of their health-related needs. Taking a narrow approach to one particular disease may lead to a lack of focus on any other existing medical conditions.

To better serve patients, social care degree programs must take a multidisciplinary approach. Prevention should be prioritized over reactive treatments. A detailed post-discharge plan, a system to identify those who require follow-up, and a monitoring program are all potential strategies. Additionally, people working in the social care sector should enroll in continuing professional development (CPD) programs in order to gain skills to do their work better. This will help them keep up with the current advances in health and social care. 

For graduates of advanced programs such as Keuka College’s master’s of social work, careers are available in a variety of work settings, such as geriatric health and mental health centers, hospitals, home care agencies, long-term care facilities, retirement communities and organizations that work for policy change. Subjects including social justice, the effects of aging, attitudes and values, evidence-based interventions and policies, and the skills needed to engage in the policy process are covered on the course. 

The objectives of these programs are to: 

• Understand the aging experience.
• Recognize how different health/illness conditions and populations affect social work practice.
• Promote the right to dignity and self-determination.
• Utilize evidence-based approaches to assess and develop treatment plans and work within inter-professional teams. 
• Help older adults and their families navigate care systems. 
• Provide care management services. 
• Serve as administrators, advocates and policy analysts to analyze aging policies. 
• Promote the use of research to evaluate social work practice and aging-related services. 
• Provide practicum placements in inpatient, residential, outpatient and community-based mental health and health programs serving older adults.

Some commonly asked questions about geriatric social work

Below are some frequently asked questions about geriatric social work.

• What is the role of a geriatric social worker?

Social workers can specialize in a particular area. A geriatric social worker has specialized knowledge and experience in caring for the elderly and maintaining their health.

• What are the situations where one should get advice from a geriatric social worker?

Individuals or families in need of physical, emotional or safety assistance when caring for an elderly person should seek a geriatric social worker to help them manage such issues. In times of crisis, such as a hospital stay or a car accident, consulting with a geriatric social worker can be invaluable. Additionally, social workers can help people prepare for end-of-life decisions by writing advance directives even before a crisis occurs.

• What are the benefits of working with a geriatric social worker?

A professional geriatric social worker is knowledgeable in the geriatric population and can differentiate between typical and atypical aging. For instance, in typical aging, it can take longer to process information, and it can be difficult to save a lot of information in the brain. This does not always mean that someone has dementia. With regular aging, the memory can be recovered – the information can ultimately be regained. Conversely, with dementia or out-of-the-ordinary memory loss, the memory will never be retrieved. It is not possible to access the stored information at all. When we observe our beloved ones slowing down, we may think of it as dementia, but it can simply be slower processing speed. It can also go the other way: we might think that it is ordinary aging when it is actually dementia or another cognitive state.

Geriatric social workers are knowledgeable about the local community resources. For instance, they can give elderly individuals referrals for home care services should they need help with daily activities or some form of monitoring.

• Is there a set of professional standards that govern the practice of geriatric social workers?

All social workers in the US are bound to the Social Work Code of Ethics, which contains values such as respect, comprehension, sympathy, professionalism and putting the client’s needs first. To make sure that these are upheld, each state has a board of social work that requires applicants to take an exam with case scenarios that necessitate the knowledge of the code of ethics before they start practicing.

• What role can a geriatric social worker play in lowering my costs of care?

When conducting an assessment, a social worker will consider the client’s needs and suggest the least intrusive and cost-effective solution. This could be something as simple as an alert system and a designated contact in the event of a fall, rather than moving the individual to a care facility. That way, they wouldn’t lose their independence. The social worker should attempt to get all family members to agree on the plan, making sure to keep their loved one’s best interests in mind.

• Who is responsible for the financing of geriatric social work services?

Medical providers or specialized care organizations can provide social work for elderly patients, and insurance can cover the expense. This funding can be allocated toward physical therapy, speech-language rehabilitation and medical social work. Out-of-pocket payments from the individual are seldom required. Additionally, a social worker can assist with the application procedures for a long-term insurance plan. They can discuss the patient’s physical requirements and financial resources, and help them decide if they meet the criteria to apply for any of the above.

• Is it possible for a geriatric social worker to provide assistance in regard to my advance directive?

It is possible to write up an advance directive, otherwise known as a medical power of attorney, without needing to use an attorney. This type of directive is a written record of a person’s wishes for medical treatment in the event of them not being able to communicate. However, if a durable power of attorney is required, then an attorney must be consulted.

• What are some false beliefs that people tend to have about social workers?

One of the most common misunderstandings relates to what social workers can and can’t do. They cannot provide medical care, change diapers or force anyone to do anything. They are there to offer suggestions and provide resources, not to take away choices. The same goes with adults. Even if social workers are called in to investigate a situation with an adult, they cannot order them to leave their home unless it is found that they are not mentally competent. There are a lot of rules and regulations that apply to social workers, and they cannot do anything without the appropriate plan or documentation.

• How can I persuade a family member to consider seeing a geriatric social worker?

When someone contemplates using social work services, they can reach out to a social worker to organize a home visit. Generally, the individual being cared for will deny the visit. To persuade them, it may help to explain that the county has created a department of social workers who are prepared to guarantee their safety and that of other seniors, as they are eligible for this service, and have already paid for it with their taxes. Even if they agree to the visit, there is still the matter of the elderly adult’s concern that the social worker is trying to send them to a nursing home. This is a very real fear among the elderly, so the initial hurdle is to gain the trust of the person receiving care.

Conclusion

Increased longevity and improved health in old age have resulted in some major societal issues. Economic growth, employment and retirement trends, the functioning of families, the availability of resources for the elderly, and the prevalence of chronic illness and disability can all be impacted by an aging population. As the proportion of elderly people in the population grows, it is projected that they will be more dependent on social care and that more social workers will be needed to fill this need. 

As the population grows older and continues to increase, the healthcare and social services that are in place may need to be changed drastically. Are we ready to face this potential transformation? Globally, human life spans are getting longer and individuals are living into their 60s, 70s, and beyond. Each nation is experiencing a rise in the amount and proportion of seniors in its population.

A study on global health and aging by the World Health Organization (WHO) forecasts that the population of individuals aged 65 and over will surge from an average of 524 million in 2010 to 1.5 billion in 2050, with this mostly occurring in developing countries. In addition, by 2050, the number of people aged 65 and older is projected to exceed the population of those under five years old.

The WHO attributes a large number of elderly persons in the population to the change from fatal infectious diseases to chronic and non-communicable ailments. These continuous ailments, such as hypertension, elevated cholesterol, arthritis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, dementia and congestive heart failure, are now able to be managed or improved through present medical breakthroughs, thus increasing life expectancy.

We must therefore ask, what impact does an aging population have on health and social services?

It may be possible for those with a degree in health and social care to provide a better response. However, let’s explore further to see what the research has to say.

The impact of an aging population on social care

With the number of elderly citizens growing rapidly, the strain on medical and social support systems is also growing. Governments and medical providers are having to adjust to meet the needs of an aging population. Healthcare services and social services are being put to the test as they attempt to provide the best possible care for seniors. The increasing need for care and support for the elderly is becoming a major issue in many countries.

The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion states that the first baby boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) reached the age of 65 in 2011. It is estimated that by 2030, more than 60% of this age group will be managing multiple chronic illnesses. This carries a financial burden for our health and social care systems, with the costs increasing in relation to the number of chronic conditions needing to be treated. It is predicted that baby boomers are going to need to make twice as many hospital visits and doctor appointments by 2030.

The WHO’s research has suggested that an increase in life expectancy could potentially lead to a decrease in the rate of disabilities, as medical advancements would prevent chronic illnesses from transitioning into disabilities. This would mean fewer individuals with severe disabilities, yet more with chronic conditions of lesser severity. Contrarily, other studies theorize that life expectancy increases will also cause an increase in the prevalence of impairments.

The health and social care system is anticipated to confront certain health issues as the population ages. Such conditions include the following.

Cancer

By 2020, the number of cancer diagnoses had increased to 17 million, and it is predicted that this figure will reach 27 million by 2030 due to an aging population.

Dementia

This is a condition that affects a person’s mental capacity, leading to memory loss, difficulty in communication and difficulty in performing daily tasks. It is a progressive and degenerative disorder that can have a serious impact on a person’s life.

In line with the growing demographic of elderly people, it is anticipated that the occurrence of dementia will similarly increase. Alzheimer’s Disease International forecasts that by 2050, a total of 139 million people will have Alzheimer’s disease/dementia worldwide. The organization also predicts that many of these individuals will be in underprivileged nations.

Increase in falls

The elderly are among those at the highest risk of injury from falls, so it is expected to put a strain on our health and social care system. This is because the baby boomer generation is living longer and being more active, as well as potentially taking medications for conditions that can increase the risk of falls.

Obesity

The number of people identified as obese is on the rise, leading to a strain on our health and social care system. Not only is excess weight a major contributing factor to many medical issues, but it is also costly, with obese individuals costing 34% more than those with a healthy weight in the healthcare system.

Diabetes 

Diabetes has become a global health concern, with its prevalence increasing significantly over the past few decades. This metabolic disorder is characterized by high blood sugar levels, which can be caused by a lack of insulin production, improper use of insulin, or both. It can lead to serious complications, such as heart disease, stroke and nerve damage, if left untreated.

As the world’s population grows older, the percentage of people aged 65 and above with diabetes increases correspondingly. Approximately 33% of those in this age group have diabetes, and they are more likely to experience problems related to the condition, such as hypoglycemia, renal failure and cardiac issues, than younger individuals who have the same condition.

Challenges for health and social care workers with the increase in senior citizens

The aging population has brought the potential of increased medical costs and the need for more social care and services for elderly individuals. The discrepancy between working age people and senior citizens due to changing dependence ratios is becoming a major concern. 

Healthcare requirements will increase as a result of the issues related to growing older. It is anticipated that healthcare costs will continue to surge until 2070 due to the increases in life expectancy, despite the fact that people’s health quality may not necessarily improve. 

The following are a few possible difficulties that the health and social care degree system could encounter in the near future:

• An augmentation in the requirement for resources will be seen in all healthcare facilities.
• The amount of people affected by obesity is projected to increase.
• It is predicted that there will be a deficit of social care workers.
• The aging population may result in a lack of care workers due to the ratio imbalance.
• Rather than focusing attention on a single ailment, treating simultaneous illnesses will be prioritized.
• Changes in the makeup of the family unit may lead to a decrease in the number of caregivers in the family.
• Adjusting to and accepting the Affordable Care Act will be harder than anticipated.

What strategies can the social care sector use to address the challenges?

In order to cater to the increasing elderly demographic, the health and social care system must address the various issues. They should offer programs that prepare healthcare personnel with the appropriate training and examine the impact of technology on social care.

The health and social care sector must take steps to prepare for a greater incidence of chronic illnesses in the aging demographic. As the number of chronic conditions among people in this age group increases, so also does the complexity of their health-related needs. Taking a narrow approach to one particular disease may lead to a lack of focus on any other existing medical conditions.

To better serve patients, social care degree programs must take a multidisciplinary approach. Prevention should be prioritized over reactive treatments. A detailed post-discharge plan, a system to identify those who require follow-up, and a monitoring program are all potential strategies. Additionally, people working in the social care sector should enroll in continuing professional development (CPD) programs in order to gain skills to do their work better. This will help them keep up with the current advances in health and social care. 

For graduates of advanced programs such as Keuka College’s master’s of social work, careers are available in a variety of work settings, such as geriatric health and mental health centers, hospitals, home care agencies, long-term care facilities, retirement communities and organizations that work for policy change. Subjects including social justice, the effects of aging, attitudes and values, evidence-based interventions and policies, and the skills needed to engage in the policy process are covered on the course. 

The objectives of these programs are to: 

• Understand the aging experience.
• Recognize how different health/illness conditions and populations affect social work practice.
• Promote the right to dignity and self-determination.
• Utilize evidence-based approaches to assess and develop treatment plans and work within inter-professional teams. 
• Help older adults and their families navigate care systems. 
• Provide care management services. 
• Serve as administrators, advocates and policy analysts to analyze aging policies. 
• Promote the use of research to evaluate social work practice and aging-related services. 
• Provide practicum placements in inpatient, residential, outpatient and community-based mental health and health programs serving older adults.

Some commonly asked questions about geriatric social work

Below are some frequently asked questions about geriatric social work.

• What is the role of a geriatric social worker?

Social workers can specialize in a particular area. A geriatric social worker has specialized knowledge and experience in caring for the elderly and maintaining their health.

• What are the situations where one should get advice from a geriatric social worker?

Individuals or families in need of physical, emotional or safety assistance when caring for an elderly person should seek a geriatric social worker to help them manage such issues. In times of crisis, such as a hospital stay or a car accident, consulting with a geriatric social worker can be invaluable. Additionally, social workers can help people prepare for end-of-life decisions by writing advance directives even before a crisis occurs.

• What are the benefits of working with a geriatric social worker?

A professional geriatric social worker is knowledgeable in the geriatric population and can differentiate between typical and atypical aging. For instance, in typical aging, it can take longer to process information, and it can be difficult to save a lot of information in the brain. This does not always mean that someone has dementia. With regular aging, the memory can be recovered – the information can ultimately be regained. Conversely, with dementia or out-of-the-ordinary memory loss, the memory will never be retrieved. It is not possible to access the stored information at all. When we observe our beloved ones slowing down, we may think of it as dementia, but it can simply be slower processing speed. It can also go the other way: we might think that it is ordinary aging when it is actually dementia or another cognitive state.

Geriatric social workers are knowledgeable about the local community resources. For instance, they can give elderly individuals referrals for home care services should they need help with daily activities or some form of monitoring.

• Is there a set of professional standards that govern the practice of geriatric social workers?

All social workers in the US are bound to the Social Work Code of Ethics, which contains values such as respect, comprehension, sympathy, professionalism and putting the client’s needs first. To make sure that these are upheld, each state has a board of social work that requires applicants to take an exam with case scenarios that necessitate the knowledge of the code of ethics before they start practicing.

• What role can a geriatric social worker play in lowering my costs of care?

When conducting an assessment, a social worker will consider the client’s needs and suggest the least intrusive and cost-effective solution. This could be something as simple as an alert system and a designated contact in the event of a fall, rather than moving the individual to a care facility. That way, they wouldn’t lose their independence. The social worker should attempt to get all family members to agree on the plan, making sure to keep their loved one’s best interests in mind.

• Who is responsible for the financing of geriatric social work services?

Medical providers or specialized care organizations can provide social work for elderly patients, and insurance can cover the expense. This funding can be allocated toward physical therapy, speech-language rehabilitation and medical social work. Out-of-pocket payments from the individual are seldom required. Additionally, a social worker can assist with the application procedures for a long-term insurance plan. They can discuss the patient’s physical requirements and financial resources, and help them decide if they meet the criteria to apply for any of the above.

• Is it possible for a geriatric social worker to provide assistance in regard to my advance directive?

It is possible to write up an advance directive, otherwise known as a medical power of attorney, without needing to use an attorney. This type of directive is a written record of a person’s wishes for medical treatment in the event of them not being able to communicate. However, if a durable power of attorney is required, then an attorney must be consulted.

• What are some false beliefs that people tend to have about social workers?

One of the most common misunderstandings relates to what social workers can and can’t do. They cannot provide medical care, change diapers or force anyone to do anything. They are there to offer suggestions and provide resources, not to take away choices. The same goes with adults. Even if social workers are called in to investigate a situation with an adult, they cannot order them to leave their home unless it is found that they are not mentally competent. There are a lot of rules and regulations that apply to social workers, and they cannot do anything without the appropriate plan or documentation.

• How can I persuade a family member to consider seeing a geriatric social worker?

When someone contemplates using social work services, they can reach out to a social worker to organize a home visit. Generally, the individual being cared for will deny the visit. To persuade them, it may help to explain that the county has created a department of social workers who are prepared to guarantee their safety and that of other seniors, as they are eligible for this service, and have already paid for it with their taxes. Even if they agree to the visit, there is still the matter of the elderly adult’s concern that the social worker is trying to send them to a nursing home. This is a very real fear among the elderly, so the initial hurdle is to gain the trust of the person receiving care.

Conclusion

Increased longevity and improved health in old age have resulted in some major societal issues. Economic growth, employment and retirement trends, the functioning of families, the availability of resources for the elderly, and the prevalence of chronic illness and disability can all be impacted by an aging population. As the proportion of elderly people in the population grows, it is projected that they will be more dependent on social care and that more social workers will be needed to fill this need.