Public Health and the Aging Population: The role of chiropractic care

By Faye Deane

As the population in the United Kingdom and globally continues to age, the need to address the multifaceted health challenges faced by older adults has become increasingly pressing. The Office for National Statistics projects that by 2041, one in four people in the UK will be aged 65 or over. This demographic shift brings to the forefront critical public health concerns, including multimorbidity, the prevention of falls, management of frailty, polypharmacy, social isolation, and cognitive decline. Chiropractic care, with its holistic approach to musculoskeletal (MSK) health, plays a vital role in addressing these issues and supporting healthy aging.

The Aging Population: A complex public health challenge

Aging naturally comes with a decline in both cognitive and physical abilities, often compounded by chronic non-communicable conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease, seen commonly in clinical practice. These conditions can have a detrimental effect on mobility, pain, activities of daily living, and an increased risk of falls – one of the leading causes of injury and disability in older adults. Falls can have severe consequences, including fractures, long-term disability, loss of independence, and even premature death.

Furthermore, aging populations are increasingly faced with challenges related to polypharmacy, social isolation, and cognitive decline. Polypharmacy, the concurrent use of multiple medications, is common among older adults as they manage multiple chronic conditions. However, this practice can increase the risk of adverse drug interactions, contributing to falls, confusion, and other health issues. Social isolation and cognitive decline further exacerbate these risks, leading to a diminished quality of life and increased vulnerability to physical and mental health problems.

Chiropractic Care: Addressing key health concerns in aging

Chiropractic care offers a comprehensive approach to managing the musculoskeletal issues that contribute to falls, frailty, and overall physical decline in older adults. As chiropractors, we focus on the spine, joints, and muscles, providing non-invasive, drug-free treatment that can help alleviate pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall physical function.

Addressing musculoskeletal health is a key part of caring for older adults, but it’s not the whole picture. Chiropractic care can also play a crucial role in managing broader health challenges. For example, by improving physical function and mobility, chiropractic care can reduce reliance on medications typically used to manage pain and discomfort, helping to mitigate the risks associated with polypharmacy. Reducing medication use can lower the incidence of adverse side effects and interactions, which in turn reduces the risk of falls and other health complications.

Being part of a multidisciplinary care team, we have the opportunity to collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure that our patients receive holistic care that meets their unique needs. Whether it’s working to prevent falls, manage chronic pain, or support cognitive health, or to encourage social interactions, chiropractic care is an essential component of a well-rounded approach to aging. By following the WHO’s Integrated Care for Older People (iCOPE) and integrating our care into broader public health strategies, we can help older adults maintain their independence, quality of life, and overall wellbeing as they age.

The Role of Chiropractors in Public Health Campaigns

Chiropractors have a significant role in public health efforts aimed at supporting the aging population. By working alongside other healthcare professionals, we can provide holistic care that addresses the physical, mental, and social needs of older adults. This approach is vital for combating social isolation and cognitive decline, which are critical concerns highlighted in the WHO’s iCOPE guidelines.

The World Federation of Chiropractic’s (WFC) Public Health Committee plays an essential role in supporting chiropractors globally by providing resources that enhance public health outcomes, particularly for aging populations. As chiropractors, our role extends beyond treating individual patients; we are also part of a larger effort to promote public health and wellbeing on both community and global scales.

The WFC’s resources, including educational materials and best practices, align with global health priorities, including those outlined by the World Health Organisation (WHO). These materials can help chiropractors better understand how to apply comprehensive, person-centred care approaches, as recommended in the WHO’s iCOPE guidelines.

In the UK, we are also fortunate to have additional support from the Royal College of Chiropractors’ Public Health Society, which provides a range of resources, specifically tailored to the needs of chiropractors practicing in the UK. These resources are designed to help us navigate the unique public health landscape in the UK, ensuring that we can effectively contribute to national health priorities and deliver the highest standard of care to our patients.

Conclusion

As the UK’s population ages, the need for comprehensive public health strategies that address the multifaceted challenges of aging becomes increasingly urgent.  The British Chiropractic Association is committed to advocating for the inclusion of chiropractic care in broader health strategies to support the aging population and address these complex public health challenges.