What is a consequence of older adults living longer with chronic diseases?

Older adults living longer with chronic diseases often results in a dramatic increase in the number of health providers needed. This is because chronic diseases typically require ongoing management and care, which can include regular doctor visits, medication management, physical therapy, and other healthcare services. As the population of older adults grows, particularly those with conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis, the demand for healthcare professionals—such as doctors, nurses, and allied health workers—rises significantly.

The management of chronic diseases is complex and can involve multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive care. Given that these older individuals may have multiple chronic conditions, the level of care needed increases, leading to a greater need for health providers to ensure that patients receive appropriate and timely treatment. This growing demand challenges the existing healthcare infrastructure and highlights the importance of addressing workforce planning in health services to meet the needs of an aging population.