Later Life : Issues, Trends and Perspectives

This book tries to give an approach of the implications of crisis, especially in health and social systems. The economic crisis, as a global phenomenon of the first decade of the twentieth century, has had a negative impact on all health and social indicators. Therefore, severe austerity measures and inadequacy of resources can lead to worse health indicators and a lower quality of health services. The ongoing economic crisis has also strongly affected the way EU shapes national welfare state reforms compared to the pre-crisis period, especially in countries that have faced unprecedented economic difficulties, as it is the case with Greece. The crisis has given substance to an old and often hypothetical debate about the financial sustainability of health systems in Europe. There is evidence about how the consequences of economic crisis, such as unemployment, poverty, social exclusion, homelessness, and insecurity have had detrimental effects on peoples health status. Various causes of mortality and morbidity connected to mental health, substance abuse, and infectious disease have been raised. Poor education, social isolation, and poor housing are the key factors responsible for the vulnerability to mental health problems among less privileged individuals. Health status and well-being of the populations worsened. The health sector has to be effective with less resources and a reduced budget. Health professionals are required to work harder in an environment of continuous cuts, with a lack of materials and equipment, to be paid less and at the same time maintain quality standards. Migration is simultaneously a challenge and a motive for humanity to show solidarity to other human beings. Although fear and difficulties may initially create a hostile and fearsome environment for immigrants, deeper cultural characteristics usually bring to the surface actions of true solidarity, something which has been historically true for Greece.