Promoting the Concept Healthy Ageing for Use in Gerontological Health and Social Care Policy and Practice

Abstract

AimsThe concept of healthy or successful ageing dates back to the 1960s, where its goal is more realistic in today's ageing society as a result of effective interventions to control and reduce disability and health risks. The aim of this paper is to outline the importance of defining ageing, the semantics and indicators used, and to identify common challenges for health professionals' understanding and application of a healthy ageing approach in their everyday clinical practice.Design and MethodsThis discursive paper demonstrates how realistic ageing indicators are for highlighting the variation and impact of challenges associated with ageing. It examines the proportion of older adults requiring aged‐care services and allocation of resources, focusing on health maintenance and secondary ageing prevention.ResultsIndicators of ageing commonly used in clinical healthcare settings are reviewed, and their appropriateness for determining functional and intrinsic capacity of older adults. Other indicators are introduced, i.e., the Healthy Life Expectancy (HLE), Disability Free Life Expectancy (DFLE), the Human Development Index (HDI), and the Active Ageing Index (AAI), for enhancing and promoting a healthy ageing model of healthcare. Healthy ageing models of health and social care are also considered.ConclusionsOutlining evidence on healthy ageing may facilitate health professionals to address realistic challenges regarding age‐related health and social care provision, using a personalised approach for every older adult as opposed to cutting off chronological age parameters.Relevance to Clinical PracticeIncreasing health professionals' focus on healthy ageing will maintain good health in at least 80% of the ageing population for longer.Patient or Public ContributionNo patient or public contribution.