The aging revolution

The aging of the population brings with it major changes in the relative importance of illnesses. From the situation that prevailed in the last century, when acute illnesses were preponderant, we are now moving to an era when chronic diseases are becoming increasingly prevalent. The hospital-centered healthcare system of the 19th and 20th centuries that was created to deal with acute and especially infectious diseases is inappropriate for responding to the long-term, ongoing treatment needs of the chronically ill. We must revamp the healthcare system and centre it on the place where people live, i.e., their home. The health care system should thus shift from a hospital-centered to a community-centered model.