Demand for age-friendly care soars as older population grows

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As the U.S. population ages at an unprecedented rate, the demand for age-friendly care is skyrocketing, revealing significant gaps in the nation's healthcare infrastructure. 

A recent report from the John A. Hartford Foundation emphasizes the urgent need for healthcare systems to adapt to the complex needs of older adults. 

The study highlights critical areas such as chronic disease management, mental health services and post-acute care, suggesting that while progress is being made, substantial reforms are needed to ensure older adults receive the quality care they deserve.

The report estimates that by 2030, one in five Americans will be 65 or older, a demographic shift that could overwhelm the current healthcare system if proactive measures are not taken. Older adults disproportionately experience chronic health conditions, with 80% suffering from at least one chronic illness such as diabetes, heart disease or arthritis. 

The rising incidence of these conditions places strain on an already burdened healthcare system, especially in primary care settings where providers are often ill-equipped to handle the unique needs of elderly patients, according to the report.

It posited that the solution lies in embracing age-friendly healthcare – an approach that prioritizes the needs and well-being of older adults through tailored care plans and systems that emphasize mobility, medication safety and mental health.

WHAT'S THE IMPACT

The term "age-friendly care" refers to a model of healthcare that addresses the specific needs of aging patients. This includes practices that help older adults manage chronic conditions, improve mobility and reduce unnecessary medication use. 

Importantly, the model emphasizes the "4Ms" – what matters to the patient, medication safety, mobility and mental health. Implementing this model is increasingly seen as essential in both hospital and outpatient settings, particularly given the growing prevalence of conditions such as dementia and other cognitive impairments.

However, the report said there's still a significant lack of awareness and understanding of age-friendly care practices, both among healthcare providers and the general public. A survey conducted as part of the report found that 53% of caregivers and 62% of patients aged 65 and older were unfamiliar with the term "age-friendly care." This is despite the fact that age-friendly care has been shown to significantly improve outcomes for older patients by reducing hospital readmissions, medication errors and fall-related injuries​.

One of the most pressing challenges identified in the analysis is the management of chronic diseases among older adults. Chronic illnesses such as heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes are not only more common in older populations but are also more complex to treat. Many elderly patients are on multiple medications, increasing the risk of adverse drug interactions and hospitalizations due to improper medication management.

The rise in chronic disease among the elderly is also driving up healthcare costs, putting additional pressure on Medicare and other payer systems. Authors highlighted the need for healthcare providers to adopt more comprehensive, patient-centered care models to manage these conditions effectively. 

Another area of concern is the growing mental health crisis among older adults. Depression and anxiety are common in this demographic, with over 40% of older adults mistakenly believing that depression is a normal part of aging. This misconception can lead to underdiagnosis and undertreatment, exacerbating the problem. Cognitive decline, particularly due to conditions like Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia, further complicates the mental health landscape for older adults.

Despite the rising need for mental health services, many older adults do not receive adequate care. The shortage of geriatric mental health specialists, combined with stigma around seeking mental health treatment, creates barriers to care. The foundation calls for expanded mental health services that are integrated into age-friendly care models, helping to address both cognitive and emotional well-being alongside physical health.

Meanwhile, telehealth adoption among older adults remains uneven. Many elderly patients face challenges in accessing telehealth services due to technological barriers, such as lack of internet access or familiarity with digital tools. The report emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to bridge this digital divide by offering training and support for older patients to use these services effectively.

Cost is also a concern. According to the analysis, the cost of treating older adults with complex health needs is rising rapidly, with Medicare expenditures projected to increase substantially in the coming decades. Implementing age-friendly care models can help reduce costs by improving patient outcomes and reducing the need for expensive interventions, such as hospital readmissions and emergency room visits.

While there are promising signs of progress, particularly in the adoption of age-friendly care models, significant work remains to be done, authors said. Healthcare providers, policymakers and payers must collaborate to ensure that older adults receive the care they deserve – care that is tailored to their unique needs and focused on improving their quality of life.

THE LARGER TREND

Value-based care models, which reward healthcare providers for improving patient outcomes rather than the volume of services delivered, align well with the principles of age-friendly care. Many healthcare organizations are already transitioning to value-based care, with promising results in terms of cost savings and improved patient outcomes​.

Expanding this approach to encompass age-friendly care could yield similar benefits, helping to create a more sustainable healthcare system for the aging population.
 

Jeff Lagasse is editor of Healthcare Finance News.
Email: jlagasse@himss.org
Healthcare Finance News is a HIMSS Media publication.