Healthcare experts advocate for holistic approaches to address life expectancy and aging populations

Experts are highlighting the need for a holistic approach to healthcare that extends beyond hospital care to address social and environmental determinants of health.

In Slovakia, Martin Smatana of the Slovak Academy of Sciences noted that the healthcare system accounts for only 20 to 30 percent of overall health outcomes. While Slovakia has reached a record life expectancy of 78.4 years, it still lags behind the European Union average by more than three years. Significant disparities exist based on gender, region, and education, with gaps in life expectancy reaching up to 11 years between different educational levels.

In the Czech Republic, particularly in the Zlín Region, the aging population is driving a need to integrate medical and social services. Discussions emphasize that healthcare must include home care and support for family caregivers to allow seniors to remain in familiar environments. Experts argue that medical care and social services should no longer be treated as separate entities to better manage the needs of those with chronic illnesses.