However, older people use more health services and given that the population of New Zealanders over the age of 65 is expected to double by 2050 and those over 85 will see a six-fold increase [1], the demands on healthcare will increase dramatically.
While these demographic shifts present significant challenges to our healthcare system, they also open up great opportunities for change. With the right technology and community support, we will enable our older population to live well at home and die well at home.
Changing care delivery in response to demographic shifts
Our healthcare system is under immense pressure. Over half of total health costs occur in the last three years of life [2], with 60%-70% of hospital patients in medical wards over the age of 75 [3]. These numbers will only grow as our population ages. By 2050, 25% of New Zealand’s population will be over 65, up from the current 13%. This shift requires us to rethink how we deliver healthcare, particularly for those in their extreme old age (85+ years) [1].
As older individuals access healthcare services more frequently, the strain on both primary and secondary care becomes apparent. For instance, as primary care becomes overwhelmed with more demand, it struggles to deliver essential services, pushing more people to emergency departments (ED). This cascading effect results in longer wait times, increased morbidity and mortality, and higher healthcare costs.
We’re lucky to be able to learn from countries like the UK, Japan, and Italy. The UK’s struggles are well-documented as its National Health System fails to provide effective care for its older population. Looking at Japan, we see the dependency ratio, which measures the proportion of people aged 18-65 to those over 65, sitting at 2:1 today. This is down from 12:1 in 1960. New Zealand currently stands at about 6:1 but will drop to 4:1 by 2050 [4]. The reduction in the number of available workers will present challenges, particularly as healthcare demands from the growing older population increase. Solutions are needed now.
As a young country, New Zealand has the advantage of being able to learn from those countries that already have higher numbers of older people. We’re also fortunate to have access to innovative technologies now, when we need it, as opposed to after our system has crumbled. Having the opportunity to understand and plan for this shift is our golden ticket to ensuring our healthcare sector can support our ageing population – and the only way to do this is by implementing digital solutions before it’s too late.
Digital healthcare solutions to address aged care needs
The key to managing the growing demands of our ageing population lies in embracing digital healthcare solutions. Technology offers us the tools to enhance efficiency, improve outcomes, and maintain independence as we age. At Spark Health, we are actively integrating technology into healthcare delivery, from telemedicine and AI-driven predictive care to mobile health solutions.
Self-management is critical. Older people should be empowered to manage their health proactively, with technology providing the necessary support. AI can help identify early signs of health issues, enabling timely interventions before problems escalate. Mobile technology, especially with the advent of 5G, facilitates effective communication between patients and healthcare providers, enabling continuous care and support.
For instance, if primary care is overwhelmed, AI can help triage patients effectively, directing them to the most appropriate care provider—be it a GP, physio, or pharmacist. This not only optimises resource allocation but also reduces unnecessary hospital admissions. By predicting health declines early, we can implement preventive measures, keeping older adults healthier and at home longer.
A reality with comprehensive, proactive care
By luck or by design, New Zealand has a unique advantage with its integrated welfare and health system, particularly in disability and aged care services. This integration allows for cohesive, community-focused care models that support older adults in living independently. At Spark Health, we are driving this innovation, collaborating with homecare and residential care providers to implement tech-enabled solutions.
Smart rostering of staff, GPS-linked tracking, and optimised resource management are just a few ways technology is transforming community services. For example, by linking multiple healthcare organisations, we will enhance purchasing power and reduce costs, providing continuous and affordable medication supply for older adults. Additionally, using AI to predict health needs allows us to deploy resources more effectively, ensuring timely and appropriate care.
Our vision at Spark Health is to enable older people to remain at home, accessing secondary health services as little as possible. This vision relies on a cohesive relationship between individuals and community services, integrating technology to provide comprehensive, proactive care. Older people consistently express their desire to stay independent and make their own healthcare decisions. With the right digital tools, we can make this a reality for a greater percentage of our ageing population.