Introduction
The health and wellbeing of older persons in Serbia is a critical issue that warrants urgent policy attention. According to recent data, one third of the elderly population perceive their health status as good or very good (32%), while another third describes it as just good enough (35%). However, there is a concerning 33% who report their health condition as poor.
Chronic Diseases Among Older Persons
Only 12% of older individuals indicate having no chronic diseases, with another 6% unaware of any existing chronic conditions. Those with chronic illnesses, on average, manage three at a time, with the number varying from one to as many as 20. Addressing these chronic illnesses requires a comprehensive approach that includes prevention, early detection, and efficient treatment protocols.
Mental Health Concerns
Less than a fifth (19%) of elderly individuals have sought professional help for mental health issues in the past two years. Considering the significant physical and psychological changes that come with age, it’s essential to improve access to mental health services for this demographic.
Sensory Impairments
Over half of the older population (52%) report experiencing hearing problems that limit their social and/or family life. This presents a significant barrier to active participation in social activities, an aspect crucial for overall well-being.
Impact on Social Participation
Nearly a quarter (23%) of participants reported that their health condition frequently or constantly hinders their participation in social activities and community engagements. This not only affects the quality of life of the individual but also has wider societal implications.
Happiness Index
One third of the respondents declared themselves very happy, with 35% marking a score of 8 or higher. However, there is a concerning 13% who marked scores from 0 to 4, indicating a state of unhappiness. This highlights the importance of considering mental health and wellbeing when creating policies for older persons.
Dealing with Loss
Many elderly individuals have experienced the death of a close person (38%). Over a quarter (27%) have experienced the death of a close relative or friend in the past two years, and 11% a spouse or partner. Such experiences significantly impact the emotional wellbeing of older persons and underline the need for grief counselling and support services.
Comparative perspectives
Comparative perspectives can provide valuable insights into the health services available for older persons in different countries. While the situation in Serbia is unique, it is worthwhile to note the efforts made by other countries. Understanding the successes and challenges of these countries can inform policy directions for Serbia.
United Kingdom – In terms of perceived health status, 52% of UK older adults describe their health as good or very good, compared to 32% in Serbia
The United Kingdom has a robust healthcare system for older persons via the National Health Service (NHS), which provides free healthcare at the point of use. Specifically for chronic conditions, there are numerous NHS-led initiatives such as the “Integrated Care and Support” plan, which emphasizes a personalized approach to handle chronic diseases.
In terms of mental health, the UK also introduced a strategy called “No health without mental health,” emphasizing the importance of mental health services across all age groups, including older adults.
Denmark – In Denmark, only 21% of older adults report more than two chronic conditions, lower than the Serbian average.
Denmark prioritizes the active social participation of older adults. Community-based programs, like ‘Senior Citizen Activity Centres’ offer numerous activities designed to promote social integration. Moreover, Denmark provides comprehensive support for sensory impairments, including government-funded hearing aids and vision services.
The Nordic welfare model in Denmark considers mental health as a significant aspect of general health. An array of public and private mental health services are made available to the elderly population.
Japan – In Japan, 25.4% of older adults have sought help for mental health problems, higher than Serbia’s 19%.
Japan, known for its high percentage of older adults, provides a unique perspective. The national universal healthcare system effectively addresses chronic diseases. Besides, the ‘Long-term Care Insurance System’ covers services like home-help and nursing care for the elderly.
In terms of mental health, Japan’s ‘Orange Plan’ prioritizes the improvement of psychiatric care, including the elderly. However, the social participation of the elderly is still a challenge due to cultural and societal factors.
Conclusion
Promoting health and well-being among older persons in Serbia is not just a matter of healthcare policy. It necessitates a holistic approach that integrates healthcare, social participation, mental health services, and emotional support. Adapting the successful models from countries like the United Kingdom and Denmark, and tailoring them to the Serbian context, would provide a strong basis for improving the quality of life for the elderly population in Serbia.
Policy Recommendations
- Comprehensive Healthcare Services: Develop and implement comprehensive healthcare services that cater to the unique needs of older persons, with a specific focus on managing chronic illnesses.
- Accessible Mental Health Services: Strengthen mental health services for the elderly and ensure they are easily accessible.
- Sensory Impairment Support: Increase support for elderly individuals with sensory impairments, including better access to assistive technologies and social support services.
- Promote Social Participation: Establish programs to facilitate and encourage active participation of older individuals in social activities.
- Emotional Support: Develop emotional support systems, including grief counselling, to help elderly individuals cope with loss.
- Health Awareness Campaigns: Conduct regular health awareness campaigns to educate the elderly about their health and the availability of support services.