Major health research
By RTL Nieuws·2 hours ago·Edit: 1 minute ago
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In 2050 we will all be a bit older than we are now: life expectancy will rise to 86.5 years. Good news, but it also means that there are more and more elderly people with health problems. This increases the pressure on informal caregivers – and healthcare.
The RIVM came to this conclusion today in the Public Health Future Outlook report, which is published every four years. With the report, RIVM looks ahead to everything that will happen to us in the next thirty years.
First of all, the good news: we will live to an average age of 86.5 years in 2050, which is almost five years older than the average age in 2022, which was then 81.6 years. “For vitality and health, it is necessary that people continue to participate in society for those extra years,” reports the RIVM.
More chronic diseases
Then the bad news. Due to this larger group of elderly people, more and more people are suffering from one or more chronic conditions. This concerns, for example, osteoarthritis, COPD, kidney failure and rheumatism.
According to the RIVM, in 2050 there will be almost 12 million Dutch people with a chronic disease, in 2022 this will still be 10.5 million. For example, the number of people with dementia will increase from 261,000 people in 2022 to 506,000 in 2050, RIVM fears. Many of the chronically ill will be people over 75.
These additional sick people increase the pressure on informal caregivers. For example, the number of people over 75 who need informal care will more than double to 650,000 between 2022 and 2050, RIVM expects. That requires ‘sharp choices’.
Self-reliant or not
A warning is echoed in the report: informal caregivers’ care may disappear if they also need care themselves. The demand for ‘formal care’, such as hospital admissions, may therefore increase. “The difference in health and quality of life between self-reliant and non-self-reliant people may become greater.”
Earlier this week, the RIVM announced that the number of overweight people will also increase further in the coming decades. It is expected that by 2050 two in three Dutch people (64 percent) will have to deal with excess kilos.
We explained in this video why healthy eating is not always successful:
The RIVM also foresees consequences for public health from climate change. More people will suffer from heat stress. Furthermore, the risk of infectious diseases spreading increases, the number of skin cancer cases increases and more people will die from heat.
The RIVM further fears for the mental health of young people. To work on this, the institute proposes limiting the number of points of sale and advertising of unhealthy food and paying attention to reducing performance pressure.
The RIVM advises the government ‘steadfast policy’. And although it is something that will take a long time, according to the institute, the challenges we face show that prevention is important.
Major Health Research: Are We Living Longer or Just Suffering More?
By RTL Nieuws · 2 hours ago · Edit: 1 minute ago
Well, if you’re planning to live it up in the Netherlands, you’d better stock up on your vitamins, anti-inflammatories, and possibly a comedy show or two—the RIVM (Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, for those of us playing along at home) has just dropped a report that’s sent shockwaves through the health community! Apparently, by 2050, we’re all expected to live to a sprightly average of 86.5 years. Sounds great, doesn’t it? Almost five years more than we’re currently pulling off! But wait—the hangover from this good news is that life might be a whole lot less dazzling than it seems.
More Chronic Diseases? No Thank You!
According to the RIVM, while we’re adding years to our lives, we’ll also be adding a boatload of chronic diseases. By the year 2050, an astonishing 12 million Dutch citizens will be grappling with one or more chronic conditions. We’re talking about osteoarthritis, COPD, kidney failure, and the ever-dreaded rheumatism. It’s as if we’re scrolling through a health buffet with a side of “please pass the misery.”
Now here’s your fun fact of the day: the number of folks with dementia is projected to leap from 261,000 in 2022 to a staggering 506,000 by 2050. I don’t know about you, but that sounds less like aging gracefully and more like aging: “Who am I again?”
Caregivers: The Unsung Heroes
But wait, there’s more! The report warns us that the pressure on informal caregivers is about to skyrocket. Those lovely people over 75 requiring care will bounce up to 650,000 by 2050. What does that mean? A whole bunch of well-meaning family members, possibly going grey prematurely as they balance the needs of their elderly loved ones with their own need to, you know, live life. Because if the caregivers find themselves in need of care, let’s be honest, it’s going to turn into a giant game of hot potato—only the potato is wrapped in chronic conditions!
Self-reliant or Not: The Dreaded Choice
The report also throws out a warning that the gap in health and quality of life between those who are self-reliant and those who are not may become a chasm. In other words, if you’re not already contemplating your fitness regime while also fending off the onslaught of junk food, buckle up; things are about to get competitive!
The Weighty Problem
As if that weren’t enough to chew on, the RIVM also predicts a surge in overweight Dutch citizens. We’re looking at two out of three people—64%!—dealing with extra kilos by 2050. So while we might be living longer, the chances of requiring an extendable waistband are skyrocketing. Cheers to that! It’s time to stabilize our milkshakes; the ice cream is getting a makeover.
Climate Change and Mental Health: Double Trouble
But hold onto your hats, because climate change is also in the mix! Think heat stress, an uptick in skin cancer cases, and an all-around increase in people having rough days. And let’s not forget the mental health spiral of young folks who are constantly bombarded with the pressures of social media and the need to look perfect while eating salad. The RIVM suggests limiting unhealthy food advertising and sales points—because obviously, kids aren’t losing weight because they’re buying kale smoothies at every corner shop.
So, dear readers, what does this all mean? It’s simple: a long life doesn’t mean a great life—unless we start making some serious changes. The RIVM is calling for “steadfast policy,” emphasizing that prevention is key. But unless those “sharp choices” lead us to better health, we might just find ourselves longer but not necessarily better. Now, who’s ready to join me for a salad?