LTC in the Third World

1. More than half the world's elderly, 370 million people, live in Third World Nations. As this population increases, the growth rate is fastest for the oldest of the old, those most likely in need of health services. Provision of long-term care is a vital issue in future development planning. 2. A major threat to the elderly's health was communicable disease, a societal dilemma that will require further economic development and advances in the country's community health system. 3. The aged in this setting in India experienced multiple chronic diseases and degenerative conditions, potential problems with polypharmacy, and major functional losses. Some also expressed feelings of uselessness and dependency. These issues can be compared to those of institutionalized elderly in the West.