Healthcare for Older Adults in Türkiye: A Call for Reform

By Melike Belenli Gümüş

November 7, 2024

A recent article published on the European Journal of Geriatrics and Gerontology, addresses the critical issues surrounding healthcare for older adults in Türkiye. The focus on healthcare problems and potential solutions emphasises that these challenges not only impact the elderly but also have broader implications for the entire healthcare system.

Population Growth and Demographic Changes

The article highlights the increasing number and proportion of older adults in Türkiye, which presents significant implications for health, social, cultural, and economic sectors. This demographic shift necessitates policy changes and regulatory adjustments to adequately address the healthcare problems faced by this population.

Geriatrics and Gerontology

The report distinguishes between geriatrics and gerontology:

Geriatrics is a subspecialty of internal medicine focused on the care, treatment, and follow-up of health problems in individuals aged 65 and over.
Gerontology is a multidisciplinary field that encompasses the physical, mental, and social aspects of aging.

Geriatric Health Challenges

Geriatrics addresses chronic diseases in older adults, with multimorbidity affecting 46% of those 65 and older in Türkiye. Conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and coronary artery disease are more prevalent in this age group (Figure 1). Moreover, osteoarthritis impacts 25% of people over 65, while osteoporosis-related fractures are common in older adults. Common cancers include breast and uterine in women, and prostate and colorectal in men. In Türkiye, lung, stomach, and lymphoma are the leading causes of cancer deaths for both genders.

Figure 1: Commonly encountered chronic diseases in older adults in Türkiye. M: Male, F: Female

Workforce and Training

There is a significant shortage of geriatricians in Türkiye. Currently, there are only about 150 geriatricians and geriatrics fellows available, whereas the need is estimated to exceed 3,000 based on scientific standards. The report highlights the need to enable geriatricians to practice in accordance with their profession, including authorization for the reimbursement of crucial drugs. Furthermore, it calls for improvements in working conditions and education for health professionals serving older adults.

Preventive Medicine and Early Diagnosis

The article stresses the importance of integrating geriatric syndromes into primary healthcare settings. It recommends training programs and follow-up materials for family physicians to conduct screenings and follow-ups. Access to healthcare services should be enhanced, especially for older adults, alongside increased health literacy and access to e-health applications. Preventing falls, particularly among frail older individuals, by creating safe home environments is also a key recommendation.

Medication Management

The report notes that older adults with type 2 diabetes and hypertension frequently receive inappropriate treatment. A study found that one in ten older adults was overtreated, while one in four required modifications to their antihyperglycemic and antihypertensive regimens. To address these healthcare problems, the “Türkiye inappropriate drug use criteria (TIME criteria)” has been established, which can be utilised on smartphones to enhance medication management.

Social Support and Quality of Life

Social support is identified as critically important for older adults. Enhancing social rights, education, and creating an effective working atmosphere for health professionals can significantly improve the quality of life for older adults. This improvement, in turn, can positively impact long-term health expenditures. Such measures are cost-effective and beneficial for the healthcare system.

Policy and Multisectoral Collaboration

A large study group, including representatives from public institutions, private sectors, ministries, universities, and professional associations, prepared the report. This collaboration highlights the urgent need for comprehensive policies. Moreover, it addresses the healthcare challenges faced by older adults in Türkiye.

In summary, the article emphasises the urgent need for policy reforms, expansion of the workforce, improved preventive care, better medication management, and enhanced social support to address the ongoing healthcare challenges faced by older adults in Türkiye. Addressing these healthcare problems is essential for ensuring a healthier future for the aging population.

Reference url

Recent Posts

Africa HealthTech Marketplace
     

Launch of the Africa HealthTech Marketplace

🌍 How can digital health innovations transform healthcare access in Africa?

The recent launch of the Africa HealthTech Marketplace is set to transform healthcare for over 600 million people across the continent. This collaborative initiative by Africa CDC and DIAL aims to provide targeted digital health solutions, bridging gaps in access and resources. Jump into the details of this innovative platform and discover its potential to enhance health outcomes.

#SyenzaNews #DigitalHealth #HealthTech #Innovation #AfricaHealthTech

diabetes MENA region
           

Diabetes in the MENA Region: Challenges and Solutions

💡 Did you know that the MENA region is facing a staggering 86% increase in diabetes prevalence by 2045?

A recent article on Diabetes Voice discusses the multifaceted challenges surrounding diabetes in this region, from rising rates and healthcare disparities to the unique risk factors affecting women. It’s crucial to enhance awareness and improve healthcare policies to manage this growing health crisis effectively.

Read the full article to learn about the urgent strategies needed to tackle diabetes in the MENA region.

#SyenzaNews #Diabetes #GlobalHealth #Healthcare #ResourceAllocation

diabetes crisis europe
     

Diabetes Crisis in Europe: Urgent Public Health and Economic Challenge

🌍 Are we prepared for Europe’s diabetes tsunami?

The latest article from Euractiv dives into the escalating diabetes crisis, highlighting the staggering public health implications and economic burdens it imposes. With 35 million adults projected to have diabetes by 2030, urgent policy interventions are needed to combat this looming threat. Learn more about the challenges and strategies that could shape Europe’s future health landscape.

#SyenzaNews #HealthEconomics #HealthcareInnovation #PublicHealth #DiabetesCrisis

When you partner with Syenza, it’s like a Nuclear Fusion.

Our expertise are combined with yours, and we contribute clinical expertise and advanced degrees in health policy, health economics, systems analysis, public finance, business, and project management. You’ll also feel our high-impact global and local perspectives with cultural intelligence.

SPEAK WITH US

CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS

1950 W. Corporate Way, Suite 95478
Anaheim, CA 92801, USA

© 2024 Syenza™. All rights reserved.