[Extension of life, at what price? Consequences for health care of the elderly].
Prolonging life only makes sense if quality of life is maintained. In biomedical terms this means that life extension should not be accomplished at the cost of an increase of morbidity and dependence. The survival curve must maintain its rectangular shape and compression of morbidity should be sought for. Ageing is not synonymous with disease, and a healthy old age certainly is possible. Many disorders of old age are a result of extrinsic, avoidable factors such as drinking, smoking, eating habits, and inactivity. Prevention must begin in youth. This is the price to be paid by the individual. The medical and scientific community should increase its efforts to develop health care for the aged and increase investments in the study of the ageing process itself. Society as a whole can give support by funding the development of geriatrics and gerontology, and by improving the position and the acceptance of the elderly in daily life.
Ligthart
G J
GJ
Sectie Gerontologie en polikliniek Geriatrie, Rijks-universiteit Leiden.
D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging; D001290:Attitude; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000592:standards*; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008136:Longevity; D011322:Primary Prevention
Levensverlenging, tot welke prijs? Gevolgen voor de gezondheidszorg voor de oudere mens.