The Costs of Caring for Older Adults

The global population is aging due to declining birth rates and increased life expectancy, creating significant challenges for public health systems, families, and caregivers. This demographic shift places significant financial, social, and psychological pressures on healthcare infrastructure and societal support structures. The result is increased burdens from chronic diseases, caregiver burnout, and inequitable access to care, compounded by varying cultural expectations and economic disparities. Integrated care models show promise in addressing these issues, but they are often unevenly applied and underutilized.

The goal of this Research Topic is to address the complex challenges posed by the aging global population through interdisciplinary dialogue and the development of sustainable strategies for caring for older adults. It seeks to explore the multilayered financial, social, and psychological impacts of elder care and to identify and promote innovative care models and policy interventions that address inequities and foster sustainable practices. The Research Topic encourages contributors to consider diverse perspectives, including public health strategies, economic analyses, and culturally tailored interventions, while highlighting technological and policy-related developments such as telemedicine and expanded healthcare coverage. This collection aims to guide future research and inform policies that enhance the well-being of older adults, caregivers, and broader communities.

Suitable themes for manuscripts include, but are not limited to:
1. Economic burden of elder care on families and healthcare systems.
2. Mental health challenges among caregivers and older adults, including caregiver burnout and elder isolation.
3. Social and cultural determinants of caregiving practices and intergenerational dynamics.
4. Disparities in access to elder care resources across socioeconomic and cultural contexts.
5. Innovative solutions such as technological advancements and community-based interventions.