Ageing Populations and the Future of Geriatric Health Care
Abdulhameed G. Albeshr *
King Abdulaziz Medical City for National Guard, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Yazeed A. Alhabdan
King Abdulaziz Medical City for National Guard, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Abeer M. Alghamdi
King Abdulaziz Medical City for National Guard, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Amal H. Alshubeki
King Abdulaziz Medical City for National Guard, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Amnah M. Alanazi
King Abdulaziz Medical City for National Guard, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Ghadah A. Alzahrani
Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Hadeel M. Almutairi
King Abdulaziz Medical City for National Guard, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Ibtessam A. Hazazi
King Abdulaziz Medical City for National Guard, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Joud A. Basfar
King Abdulaziz Medical City for National Guard, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Muhannad I. Alhussaini
King Abdulaziz Medical City for National Guard, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Nawaf A. Alghamdi
Marley Clinics, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Reham F. Alsaleh
Private Dental Clinic, Riyad, Saudi Arabia.
Setah T. Alanazi
King Abdulaziz Medical City for National Guard, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Fawaz H. Modahi
King Abdulaziz Medical City for National Guard, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Population ageing is likely to become a global concern as the proportion of the older population is rapidly increasing. This review intends to consolidate the evidence available in the world regarding the epidemiological, clinical, social and policy aspects of population ageing to emphasise its increasing burden and its impact on health-system preparedness. Based on a narrative review methodology which uses international databases, peer-reviewed literature and large organisational reports from 2000-2024, the research presents significant patterns of multimorbidity, non-communicable diseases, frailty, cognitive decline, social determinants, and gaps in geriatric care provision. Findings indicate that the accelerated pace of demographic ageing, particularly in low- and middle-income nations, has exacerbated the prevalence of chronic illnesses, functional impairment, and caregiving; and has revealed laggards in the current state of long-term care systems, labour shortages, disintegrated service provision, and endemic ageism. Solutions that have emerged, such as the integrated, person-centred care model, age-friendly environment, and technological innovations to aid in managing chronic diseases, are also observed as part of the analysis. The review finds that to deal with the multi-sectoral, equity-based solutions needed to face the complex challenges of global ageing, the health systems, social protection, and community structures need to be aligned to improve resilience, functional ability, and dignified and healthy ageing among diverse groups of people.
Keywords: Ageing, geriatric health, multimorbidity, functional decline, long-term care, health-system preparedness, healthy ageing