Introduction

As populations around the world age, the intersection of health policy and aging has become one of the most pressing concerns in healthcare systems globally. Aging presents unique challenges, including increasing healthcare costs, the need for specialized care, and the impact on social and economic systems. This five-day training course is designed to provide participants with an in-depth understanding of the policies, frameworks, and strategies that address the health needs of aging populations. Through lectures, case studies, and interactive exercises, participants will explore the current and future challenges of aging, and learn how effective health policies can improve the health and well-being of older adults.

Participants will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to engage with and contribute to the development of health policies that promote the dignity, independence, and quality of life for the aging population.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the core issues and challenges associated with aging and elder care
• Examine global aging trends and the implications for health systems
• Evaluate existing health policies for older adults and how they are designed and implemented
• Analyze the impact of healthcare financing, insurance models, and long-term care on aging populations
• Explore the role of social determinants in aging and health disparities
• Assess the role of technology and innovation in supporting aging populations
• Discuss ethical and legal considerations related to health policy and aging
• Analyze the future of aging and health policy, focusing on sustainable care models and innovative solutions
• Understand the importance of intergenerational equity in policy planning
• Develop the tools to contribute to the design and advocacy of aging-focused health policies

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for:

• Healthcare policymakers at national, regional, or local levels
• Public health professionals and administrators focused on aging and elder care
• Health economists working in aging-related areas
• Social workers and care managers in aging services
• Healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, and caregivers, working with older adults
• Researchers focused on aging, geriatrics, or health policy
• NGO leaders and advocacy groups advocating for aging populations
• Aging services providers looking to better understand policy frameworks
• Academics and students interested in the intersection of aging, health, and policy
• Legal professionals involved in elder law or healthcare law
• Technology developers working on solutions for elderly care
• Health insurance professionals and long-term care planners

Course Outline

Day 1: The Aging Population and Health Policy Overview

Global Aging Trends and Demographic Shifts

• Understanding the global aging phenomenon and its impacts on society
• Key demographic trends and projections of aging populations worldwide
• The economic and social implications of an aging society
• Case study: Aging in different regions—Europe, Asia, and the Americas

Health Needs of the Aging Population

• The unique healthcare needs of older adults, including chronic disease management, disability, and geriatric care
• Age-related changes in healthcare needs and health outcomes
• Overview of the aging-in-place model and community-based care
• Case study: Healthy Aging strategies in various healthcare systems

Overview of Health Policies for Aging Populations

• Key health policies and frameworks targeting aging populations:
  • The Older Americans Act (OAA)
  • The World Health Organization’s Age-friendly Cities Initiative
  • Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and aging
• The role of government, private sector, and NGOs in shaping aging policies
• Global efforts for geriatric care standards and workforce development

Workshop: Mapping Aging-Related Health Policies

• Participants will analyze and map national health policies focused on aging populations, identifying key challenges and opportunities for improvement

Day 2: Long-Term Care and Financing Health for Older Adults

Long-Term Care Models

• Different models of long-term care: institutional vs. community-based care, and home care services
• Challenges in providing quality care for older adults with complex needs
• The role of caregivers and family involvement in long-term care
• Case study: Successful long-term care models in Scandinavian countries

Financing Healthcare for Older Adults

• Overview of healthcare financing mechanisms for aging populations, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance
• The impact of out-of-pocket costs, co-payments, and catastrophic health expenditures on older adults
• Sustainable financing for long-term care: challenges and innovations
• Case study: Japan’s Long-Term Care Insurance System

Health Insurance and Elder Care

• The role of private insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid in financing health and long-term care for older adults
• Emerging models of integrated care and payment reform for aging populations
• The importance of health literacy and access to insurance information for older adults
• Case study: Medicare Advantage plans and the impact on access to care for seniors

Workshop: Designing a Long-Term Care Financing Model

• Participants will work in groups to design a long-term care financing model for an aging population in a specific country or region

Day 3: Policy, Innovation, and Technology for Aging Populations

Technology and Aging

• The role of assistive technologies, telemedicine, and smart healthcare solutions in aging
• How technology can enhance aging in place, chronic disease management, and overall quality of life
• Innovations in digital health and remote monitoring for older adults
• Case study: Telehealth for seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic

Social Determinants of Health in Aging

• Understanding the social, economic, and environmental factors that impact the health and well-being of older adults
• Addressing health disparities in aging populations, with a focus on poverty, gender, race, and disability
• Promoting healthy aging through social inclusion and access to resources
• Case study: Social support programs for elderly populations in developing countries

Policy Innovation for Healthy Aging

• Creating innovative policies that foster healthy aging and improve life outcomes for older adults
• The role of age-friendly communities, public health initiatives, and urban planning in aging
• Public policy strategies for promoting active aging, mental health, and prevention
• Case study: The role of age-friendly cities in promoting healthy aging

Workshop: Developing an Aging-Inclusive Policy

• Participants will develop an aging-inclusive policy framework for a local, regional, or national context

Day 4: Ethical, Legal, and Cultural Considerations in Aging Policy

Ethical Issues in Aging Policy

• Ethical dilemmas in elder care, including autonomy, informed consent, and end-of-life care
• The challenge of balancing independence with safety and security for older adults
• Issues of ageism and discrimination in healthcare systems
• Case study: Ethical considerations in palliative care and assisted living

Legal Considerations in Elder Care

• The legal rights of older adults in healthcare settings and long-term care
• Elder abuse and protecting the rights of the elderly
• The role of guardianship, advance directives, and healthcare proxies
• Case study: Elder abuse laws and their implementation across countries

Cultural Competency in Aging Policy

• Understanding cultural perspectives on aging and how they shape health policies
• The importance of culturally sensitive care and policy interventions for diverse aging populations
• Case study: The cultural context of aging and healthcare access in Indigenous populations

Workshop: Addressing Legal and Ethical Challenges

• Participants will discuss real-world ethical dilemmas and legal challenges faced in aging policy and healthcare delivery

Day 5: Future Directions in Health Policy for Aging Populations

Challenges and Opportunities for Aging Societies

• Emerging trends in the global aging population and their implications for healthcare and policy
• The challenge of sustaining care models and preventive health strategies in an aging society
• The impact of global migration and family dynamics on aging populations and care delivery
• Case study: Aging in China and the policy adjustments required to accommodate their aging population

Building Sustainable Health Systems for Aging

• Strategies to strengthen health systems to meet the needs of older adults
• The role of cross-sector collaboration in building sustainable, aging-friendly health systems
• Advocacy strategies for improving aging-related healthcare policies
• Case study: National Aging Strategies in the European Union

Closing Session: Action Plan for Aging Policy Advocacy

• Review of key lessons learned from the course
• Developing a personal action plan for advocacy and policy work in aging
• Awarding of Certification of Completion