Running Head: HEALTHCARE
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4-2 Short Paper: Health Care Workforce and the Aging Population
HRM 630
January 28,2022
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
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support to the aging population, it is a 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
