Rising Hospitalization of the Elderly Demands Structural Reforms

An increasing number of elderly patients are being treated in hospitals, a trend highlighted by the AOK's recent report. Over the past two decades, individuals over 80 now account for 22% of all hospital cases, up from 13%.

This surge, coupled with a declining healthcare workforce, has prompted calls for structural reforms to ease the strain on hospitals. Elderly patients often have multiple health issues, leading to longer hospital stays and higher costs.

The average hospitalization for those over 80 lasts 8.1 days, nearly double that of younger patients. With hospital costs for the elderly almost seven times higher, AOK advocates for improved outpatient care to reduce unnecessary hospitalizations.

A significant 36% of hospital cases involving the elderly could be avoided, particularly for those with chronic conditions like heart failure or diabetes. The AOK stresses the need for reforms to ensure hospitals focus on unavoidable cases, optimizing healthcare delivery for the aging population.