As the Physically Disabled Live Longer Thanks to Medicine, What Does it Mean for the Economy?
Over the past two decades, there have been major improvements within medicine, helping people to live longer, healthier lives. This is especially true for those living with a disability. These days, there are medicines and technology in place which can better detect and treat disabilities before birth. There are also lots of treatments and medicines available to help aid those with physical disabilities.
While the fact advancements in medicine has enabled those with physical disabilities to live longer is a great thing, what does it mean in terms of the economy?
More money needed to fund treatments
One of the key impacts a longer life span is having on the economy, is the increased need for treatment funding. While those with physical disabilities are living longer thanks to medicine, they still require consistent treatment to manage the disability. This means more money is needed to fund these treatments for longer.
New research has also suggested that by 2047, a quarter of women will develop a physical disability of some kind. So, medicine isn’t reducing physical disabilities, it’s simply helping sufferers to lead a more independent lifestyle.
The promotion of technological developments
The strain to provide services and medicines to those with physical disabilities is leading to the development of new technologies. There are already plenty of mobility aids and accessibility features helping the disabled to become more independent, such as a mobility scooter.
Companies are focusing on developing new technologies to improve mobility and assess and treat physical disabilities. So, in the not too distant future, we’re likely to see many new exciting breakthroughs.
We’re living longer, not healthier lives
Several studies have been carried out to determine the link between health and a longer lifespan. However, the results have been surprising. One of the most recent studies has revealed that we may be living longer, but we’re also becoming unhealthier. This isn’t just an issue for the physically disabled, but it also impacts the general population. This again increases the costs of caring for the elderly population.
Overall, it’s fantastic those with physical disabilities are living longer these days. However, the challenges cannot be ignored and over time, it’s likely that we’ll see many new technological developments, as well as advancements in medicine, to combat the issues faced.
About the Author:
Rupesh Singh is freelance writer and founder of moneyoutline.com You can follow him on Google + & Facebook.
