Question

Explain why and how changes in the U.S. demographics affect the healthcare industry.

Answer 1

Demographics can be defined as a study of population based on their population size, age, race and ethinicity, culture and religions etc. These demographic variables lay a deep impact on the healthcare industry by affecting health care resources, cost of care provided, even the condition associated with each population. With the passage of time, the demographic characteristics keeps on changing, bringing changes in the health needs of the population. This throws a huge challenge towards the health care industry to adapt itself with the changing health needs of the population.Lets discuss these demographic characters in detail:

1. An aging population: As the ages advance, the population size has increase dramatically. Like in 1950, the population of people aged above 65 formed 8.1 percent of the total population of U.S but this population is expected to form 20.5 percent by 2050. This shift of population places a great demands on the health care system. This will also increase the need for more number of manpower and equipments to keep the continuity of care. This calls up for numerous number of specialists who are experts in diseases and conditions of aging, to provide palliative and hospice care and also health care professional who can manage the end of life care issues.
2. Racial diversity: In U.S, Latinos are believed to form larger ethnic group followed by African-Americans. They are believed to occupy specific areas in U.S. But some of the minority group have dispersed in various areas of use for cheaper housing, jobs. The health needs of the both race are also diverse like Lations are more prone to develop lupus whereas African- Americans tend to face maternal mortality more.The health care system should accomodate these health needs and their socioeconomic circumstances.
3. Cultural and religious differences: The cultural diversity and the religious beliefs also effect the healthcare industry to large extend. The health professional should consider these differences and plan the care accordingly. They need to adapt a respectable attitude towards these differences and should clearly inform the patients that how their cultural and religious practices can cause harm effects to their health. Example: Fasting of Ramadan in among Muslims is religious beliefs, Male physicians should not examine female patients is cultural beliefs.