Healthcare on the brink: navigating the challenges of an aging society in the United States

• Published in: npj aging Vol. 10; no. 1; p. 22
• Main Authors: Jones, Charles H., Dolsten, Mikael
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group UK 06-04-2024; Nature Publishing Group
• Subjects: 692/308/174; 692/700/1518; 692/700/228; 692/700/478; Adults; Aging; Baby boomers; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Biomedicine; Cell Physiology; Chronic illnesses; Collaboration; Disease; Geriatrics/Gerontology; Health care; Health care policy; Human Physiology; Life expectancy; Low income groups; Neurosciences; Older people; Perspective; Population; Quality of life; Shortages; Society; Vaccines
• ISSN: 2731-6068; 2731-6068; 2056-3973
• DOI: 10.1038/s41514-024-00148-2

The US healthcare system is at a crossroads. With an aging population requiring more care and a strained system facing workforce shortages, capacity issues, and fragmentation, innovative solutions and policy reforms are needed. This paper aims to spark dialogue and collaboration among healthcare stakeholders and inspire action to meet the needs of the aging population. Through a comprehensive analysis of the impact of an aging society, this work highlights the urgency of addressing this issue and the importance of restructuring the healthcare system to be more efficient, equitable, and responsive.