Health services and systems planning for the aging population
Citizens and governments are closely scrutinizing where and how their healthcare dollars are being spent and whether this spending ultimately results in improvements to people’s health. The issues are whether the allocation of healthcare funds is fair and effective, and whether Canadians are getting value for their money. At the same time, healthcare providers and organizations are anticipating longer-term issues of their own, such as dealing with a shrinking healthcare workforce and the impacts of an aging population.
By 2015, Canada will have more people aged 65 and older than people younger than age 15. By 2050, about one of every four Canadians will be 65 years or older. Although our use of health services rises as we age, this does not necessarily mean that the aging of the population will bankrupt Canada’s healthcare system. Rather, our healthcare systems will have to rethink the way care is delivered and financed in order to most appropriately manage the influx of the aged.
CHSRF is working to encourage frank and open dialogue among policy-makers, healthcare executives, researchers and the public about the impact the aging population may have on Canadian healthcare systems. By disseminating the best evidence and promoting productive discussions about healthcare for an aging population, CHSRF is working to make our healthcare system better.
Promoting policy dialogue is one of three priorities adopted by CHSRF in its Strategic Plan.
CHSRF contact:
Jennifer Verma
Director, Policy
Tel. (613) 728-2238 ext. 348
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