Comparison of U.S. Elderly Healthcare System with Italy

Comparison of U.S. Elderly Healthcare System with Italy

Introduction

Demographics and epidemiological transitions lead to the significant changes in the health needs of individuals all over the world. Recent times have seen an increase in the prevalence of long-term disability in the population; thereby, causing increasing need for long-term care services. In addition, the present developing world is experiencing an increase in the demand for long-term care services at a cost much lower than industrialized countries. The purpose of this report is to compare the long term care system of United States with Italy. It includes the information on incidence and prevalence of elderly consumers in both the countries followed by the characteristics of the elderly population and differences in the health care. Moreover, examples of the institutional and non-institutional caregivers along with the quality of care of the elderly consumers in the respective countries are elaborated.

Discussion

According to the report published by United Nations entitled "World Population Ageing 2009", 22% of the world population will be over 60 years within the next forty years. The increase in the elderly is three times faster than the rest of the population. Moreover, in developed countries, the proportion of old age people have already exceeded the percentage of boys, and by 2050, it is expected to be more than double of children population (Henry, 2007). The dramatic change in demographics is already having an impact on society in economic growth, investment, pensions, taxes and health care. A detailed analysis of the age structure of the population reveals that America experienced a decline in children population and increase in its adult population. In 2003, the population under 5 years accounted for 7% of the total compared to 12% of those over 64.

During the last fifty years, Italy has experienced a ...