Health Care and the Elderly

In: The annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, Volume 503, p. 89-98

Abstract

With the increasing expense of medical technology & the growing number of older people, proposed changes in health care tend now to be governed more by considerations of cost than by quality of services. This tension between cost & quality also affects public willingness to invest in social components of health care despite their importance in enhancing quality of life. The tension emerges in sharpest contrast as scarce resources are allocated by gatekeepers in health maintenance organizations & in the arrangements for long-term care. With respect to financing, what seems to be needed is a creative mix of voluntary inputs from the community, private initiatives, & new programs of public entitlements. With respect to quality of care, it must be recognized that gains in the quality of life require programs that encourage older people's continued involvement & participation in social life & in active & healthy lifestyles. The evolving balance between medical & social interventions is discussed. Modified HA