Ageing in Indonesia - Health Status and Challenges for the Future

Ageing and problems concerning the aged were until recently the domain of developed countries, but they are now becoming an increasing and alarming reality in developing and underdeveloped countries such as Indonesia. Families and even the nation are facing many challenges relating to support for the elderly. This is because in the past developing policies, and caring for, the elderly were not major priorities of Government as the elderly represented a small percentage of Indonesia's population. One of the challenges impacting on the provision of care for the elderly is the lack of health service programs for the elderly who are living in their own homes. Health personnel shortages including community health nurses have been identified as a significant contributor to this health service problem. This paper will initially consider Indonesia's geography as a nation comprising many islands. It will then discuss the impact of a changing population profile and present an overview and critique of the current level of health services provided to promote wellbeing for the elderly.