Zdravniški Vestnik (Oct 2004)
HEALTH SERVICES USAGE BY LIFE PERIODS AND ESPECIALLY AFTER AGE OF 65
Abstract
The population of economically developed countries is getting older. Due to low natality and prolonged average life span, a percentage of population older than 65 years reaches 15 percent or more. Such demographic trends affect the economic and social conditions of the individual countries as significant changes between active and supported population are apparent. All this leads to the certain economic changes. Consequently, country gross domestic product, purchasing power and population standard are affected. In addition, aging affects also the health needs which increase by age rise. Several studies confirms the fact that population aged above 65 has 2 to 5 times greater needs for health services and financing for their realisation in comparison to the rest of population. It is believed the situation in Slovenia is similar. Based on the aforementioned studies, an increase of older population in Slovenia by 1% means a real increase of financing by 1.5%. What is more, older generation needs also some additional services related to a personal hygiene help, household needs, mobility, etc. Here we are talking about the group of people who are not able to care for themselves independently and need an additional help. They need multiple services which comprise a field of a long term health care. According to the present situation in Slovenia, ZZZS proposes an introduction of a special health insurance for long term health care. This insurance will provide an adequate care and social security for insured persons at their home or at appropriate institutions. It should be a public, obligatory and nonprofit insurance for covering expenses connected with social care and related health services.
