WHO: Long-term care crucial as European population ages

The World Health Organization (WHO) has outlined the critical role of long-term care, particularly as populations in the European region continue to age. Long-term care encompasses a wide array of personal, social, and medical services designed to support individuals who face considerable loss of intrinsic capacity due to mental or physical illness and disability.

While long-term care needs can affect individuals of all ages, the WHO notes a significant increase in users aged 60 and above globally, driven by an aging demographic. Projections suggest that up to two-thirds of older individuals will require some form of care or support during their lives. These services are vital for enabling individuals to maintain their functional abilities with dignity and in line with their basic human rights.

Informal care, provided by family, friends, or community members often without pay, constitutes the majority of long-term care services. In Europe, an estimated 80% of long-term care is informal, with formal services accounting for the remaining 20%. Women represent a predominant proportion of both informal caregivers and the formal care workforce.

The WHO highlights that long-term care work can be physically and emotionally demanding for both care recipients and providers. The organization advocates for sustained public investment and commitment to support the formal and informal long-term care workforce. This includes measures to protect their health and well-being, enhance access to training, and leverage digital technologies to improve service delivery.