Running Head: HEALTHCARE
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4-2 Short Paper: Health Care Workforce and the Aging Population
HRM 630
SNHU
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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). In order 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
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fundamental necessity to bring about changes at diverse levels in the prevailing health care
system.
Several changes will have to be made in the health system in order to ensure that there
are a sufficient number of 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.
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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
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
