The future need for care - Results from the LEV project Reference No.: S2010.021

In 2050 the proportion of elderly people in the swedish population is expected to have increased from the present level of 17 per cent to 25 per cent. The population is ageing, health is improving and life expectancy is rising. This is a positive trend to which society must adapt.

The Ministry of Health and Social Affairs has therefore used a unique model to simulate how 3000 individuals age up to 2050 and the impact this is expected to have on health, morbidity and mortality and the future need for health an elderly care. The simulations show that it is possible to combine measures to meet the increasing needs of the ageing population for health and elderly care in 10-15 years. However, resolute efforts are required to

• improve health and functional capacity,
• increase accessibility,
• bring about effective health care and elderly care that apply current knowledge and introduce new ideas,
• research and develop.