Running Head: HEALTHCARE
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4-2 Short Paper: Health Care Workforce and the Aging Population
HRM 630
SNHU
HEALTHCARE
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In the current times when the aging population is expanding, the health care system is facing a
serious challenge relating to meeting their diverse health needs and demands. A diverse range
of challenges has come into existence in the health care landscape which has limited the ability
of health care professionals and entire health care systems to effectively respond to the needs of
the aging population. Some of the chief challenges include the increase in illness with the
growing age, demographic changes, and the availability of a limited number of health care staff
to address the growing health needs of the aging population. Abdi has identified that one of the
main reasons for the inability of the current health system to address the health needs of the
aging population is the steep decline in the number of health and social care workers that act as
the backbone of the health system of a nation (Abdi et al., 2019). The issues relating to
adequate manpower coupled with financial constraints have been increasing the overall burden
in the health setting and giving rise to unmet health needs of the aging population (Haseltine,
2021).
In five or ten years from now, the challenges of the health care workforce may further
intensify when it comes to meeting the health needs of the aging population. The main reason
that may increase the complexity for the health workforce is the further is the increase in the
number of older people who are over the age of 60 years. The burden to address the health
needs of a larger number of people may increase the pressure on the health care staff. Without
an increase in the manpower strength in the health system, the existing professionals may find
it hard to address the diverse health needs of various social groups in the society including the
old people. The inability of the health care staff to adapt to the complex and extended chronic
care that is required for the old population may adversely affect the health status of the
vulnerable individuals (Linzer et al., 2021). To make sure that the health care workforce is in a
position to deliver quality care and support to the aging population, it is a fundamental
necessity to bring about changes at diverse levels in the prevailing health care system.
HEALTHCARE
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Several changes will have to be made in the health system to ensure that there are
enough staff members in the future years to come that can meet the health needs of the old
population. One of the fundamental strategies involves the utilization of additional resources to
the satisfaction level of health care staff so that they can be encouraged to operate in the health
setting and contribute to improving the health outcome of the aging population. Another
important change that is required involves focusing on the training and development of the
health care staff. As the health needs of the aging population are highly complex in nature, it is
vital to create opportunities for health care professionals to expand their skills and capabilities
to deliver quality care to the aging population. By emphasizing their learning and development,
their morale can be increased to operate in the challenging work setting. Another major change
that can be introduced in the digitalized era involves the integration of technology in the health
care landscape so that the workforce can leverage digital technologies and function in a
productive manner. The adoption of digital health technology can empower the health care
workforce to make health-related decisions in an efficient manner and deliver quality care
solutions to the aging population. Rowe has identified that the strategic use of technology in the
field of medical science can give rise to new kinds of opportunities for health care
professionals while performing their duties and responsibilities. In order to help health care
staff meet the ever-expanding health needs of the aging population in the future, it is critical to
capitalize on innovative technologies such as robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) so that
the staff can get proper support to share the high burden in the professional setting (John,2022).
Such changes need to be incorporated in the health care domain so that the grave issue relating
to the shortage of staff can be addressed.
References
Abdi, S., Spann, A., Borilovic, J., de Witte, L., & Hawley, M. (2019). Understanding the care
and support needs of older people: a scoping review and categorisation using the WHO
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international classification of functioning, disability, and health framework (ICF). BMC
geriatrics, 19(1), 1-15.
John W Rowe, L. B. (2022, January 12). Preparing for Better Health and health care for an
aging population: A vital direction for Health and Health Care. National Academy of
Medicine. Retrieved January 25, 2022, from https://nam.edu/preparing-for-better-health-
and-health-care-for-an-aging-population-a-vital-direction-for-health-and-health-care/
Haseltine, W. A. (2021, December 10). Aging populations will challenge healthcare systems
all over the world. Forbes. Retrieved January 25, 2022, from
https://www.forbes.com/sites/williamhaseltine/2018/04/02/aging-populations-will-
challenge-healthcare-systems-all-over-the-world/?sh=318b05362cc3
Linzer, K., Ray, B., & Singh, N. (2021, June 23). Planning for an aging population. McKinsey
& Company. Retrieved January 25, 2022, from
https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/public-and-social-sector/our-insights/planning-
for-an-aging-population
