Population aging: Impact of common chronic diseases on health and social services

Abstract

Diabetes, stroke, dementia and chronic lung disease exert high costs on aging populations since older people are at greater risks of developing these diseases, resulting in greater dependency and co-morbidities. Direct costs of care and indirect costs from premature mortality, disability and reduced health-related quality of life are expected to increase. Examining trends in disease incidence, prevalence and mortality may provide more accurate estimations of disease burden and economic costs, which would inform service planning and healthcare financing policies. The findings in Hong Kong are discussed in the context of other countries.