Inadequate health care for the elderly

Neglect of geriatric medicine

Incidence

Globally, millions of elderly individuals face inadequate health care, with disparities most pronounced in low- and middle-income countries but also present in wealthier nations. The World Health Organization estimates that by 2050, the population aged 60 years and older will reach 2.1 billion, intensifying pressure on already strained health systems. Insufficient geriatric specialists, limited access to age-appropriate services, and financial barriers contribute to widespread unmet health needs among older adults.
In 2023, a report by Age UK highlighted that over 1.6 million elderly people in England were unable to access essential health care services, including routine check-ups and specialist treatments, due to systemic shortages and long waiting times.