Without prevention, the sustainability of health systems in the future is put at risk

Solo 3 out of 10 older adults, At a global level, they are concerned about the effects of suffering from a chronic disease such as heart, vascular or diabetes conditions, as indicated by the report: Mental Health States carried out by Allianz Partners.

“Only 33% of those over 65 are concerned about the risk of suffering chronic diseases. This figure contrasts with the 51% of people between the ages of 26 and 40 with families who think the same, despite the fact that the risk of many chronic diseases increases with age,” the study details.

In accordance with Allianz Partners, said data shows a lack of awareness, and therefore of care and prevention which directly affects the challenges faced by health systems, considering that chronic diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide and the greatest burden on health systems.

“Many risk factors associated with noncommunicable diseases can be significantly reduced through behavioral changes. We need to place a renewed emphasis on preventing these diseases. This means placing prevention at the center of reflection for the entire healthcare ecosystem, as well as promoting a mentality change Between people”.

Likewise, it is pointed out that given the challenges and pressures that the medical careespecially as a result of the pandemic, there is a risk that the care required by health systems to address the needs of chronic diseases will be postponed.

In this sense, Allianz Partners lists three lines of action to follow to address the challenges presented by the care of chronic conditions and thus achieve better results within health systems:

1. Refocus on prevention instead of cure. The study reveals the landscape where only 46% of respondents, across all demographic groups globally, said they intend to take a more proactive role in their health care after the pandemic. “The above refers to the urgency for health systems to develop prevention initiatives that manage to connect with individuals, families and communities to promote changes in diet, reduce tobacco and alcohol consumption, encourage exercise, promote check-ups , among other actions.
2. Empower people in health. The consequences of chronic diseases must be reported, for the sake of greater awareness, it is a task that will reduce the pressure on health systems today, but, above all, in the future. This becomes more relevant when taking into account the increase in life expectancy of the world population, since as people live longer, the care of a chronic disease is significantly prolonged.
3. Take advantage of the potential and advantages offered by digital health. Health systems must also take advantage of the advantages offered by digital health services to provide more efficient, agile, and accessible care, such as real-time data collection, immediacy, and avoiding the distance barrier. For the best use of these technological advances, a work of pedagogy and socialization aimed at the elderly is also necessary. Namely, 66% of young families already use telemedicine services or plan to do so; compared to 39% of people over 65 years of age.

All of us who are part of the health industry must join forces to strengthen a culture of prevention. If we do not do so, in a few years we will face a new health crisis due to the care that will require an increasingly long-lived population that suffers from chronic diseases,” said Roberto González Galindo, General Director of Allianz Partners Mexico.

“It is time to raise awareness and provide tools to people that allow them to take care of their health in a constant and accessible way, as health care does,” he added.