Is eHealth The Answer to Europe’s Aging Population?

There is a growing market opportunity for those in the eHealth sector, as data out of the eurozone shows there is an increase ratio in its aging population. With the prospect of little family support for the aged in some countries, eHealth solution could be seen as a support solution for those needing routine or constant monitoring.

Data from Eurostat covering two decades from 1992 to 2012 shows that the ratio of working age adults to those in retirement age as shrunk.  In 1992 the ratio of working age adults stood at roughly five to one when compared with 2012 this has decrease to less than four to one.

With an aging population government will be hard press to provide healthcare services but will want to do so at a reduce cost.  With a good broadband/communication infrastructure the use of eHealth solutions could be an inexpensive option. New services and solutions being develop allow for monitoring of the elderly and chronically ill.

The figures show a rising dependency ratio and with the elderly living longer and fewer or now one around to provide support – the possibility is that many will be living by themselves. An eHealth solution could be the tool to use; it would facilitate secure monitoring and communication between the patient and healthcare practioners.

For those that have family but for some reason they have to live apart, an eHealth solution could be the one-stop-shop that would allow family members to do their own monitoring of their love ones.