Facing the demographic time bomb: the urgent need for action on gerontological and geriatric issues | Christian Borg Xuereb

As the world's population continues to age, gerontological and geriatric issues are becoming increasingly important. Gerontology is the study of ageing, while geriatrics is the medical specialty that focuses on the health care of elderly individuals. Both fields are critical to understanding and addressing the unique needs and challenges of older adults.

The importance of gerontological and geriatric issues is undeniable.

According to the World Health Organization, the number of people aged 60 and over is expected to reach 2 billion by 2050, up from 900 million in 2015. This demographic shift will have significant implications for health care systems, social policies, and the economy.

One of the key challenges of an ageing demographic is the prevalence of chronic diseases. As people age, they are more likely to develop conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and dementia.

These conditions can have a profound impact on a person's quality of life and their ability to live independently. Geriatric health professionals play a critical role in managing these conditions and helping older adults maintain their health and independence.

Another important aspect of geriatric and gerontological care is addressing the social and emotional needs of older adults. Many older adults experience loneliness and social isolation, which can have negative effects on their physical and mental health.

In addition to medical care, gerontological research is also essential to understanding the ageing process and developing new interventions to improve health and wellbeing in later life.

Research in this field is very broad and can span financial and economic aspects to the biopsychosocial impact of abuse on older persons as well as help identify risk factors for age-related conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease, and develop new treatments to prevent or manage these conditions.

Gerontological and Geriatric care is also becoming more interdisciplinary, with a focus on a team-based approach to addressing the complex needs of older adults.

This may include working with social workers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other health care professionals to provide comprehensive care.

However, despite the growing importance of gerontological and geriatric issues, there are still significant gaps in our understanding of ageing and how to provide the best care for older adults.

Additionally, there is a need for more research on social determinants of health that affect older adults, such as poverty, social isolation, and access to transportation.

To address these challenges, there is a need for increased funding for gerontological and geriatric research, as well as initiatives to promote the recruitment and training of geriatric health care professionals.

Policies that support older adults, such as affordable housing and transportation, can also help improve their health and wellbeing. The importance of gerontological and geriatric issues cannot be overstated.

As the global population ages, it is essential that we have a deep understanding of the unique needs and challenges of older adults. Geriatric health professionals and gerontologists play a critical role in addressing these issues and ensuring that older adults can age with dignity and independence.

Through continued research, education, and policy initiatives, we can work towards a future where ageing is a positive and fulfilling experience for all.