ILO (2015) Due to the global demographic ageing, all countries are challenged by growing long-term care (LTC) needs for older persons. However, these needs are largely ignored and range very low on the policy agendas of most countries.
The neglect of LTC needs is also reflected in the widespread lack of national, regional and global data on coverage and access to related benefits and services. As a result, the impacts of LTC deficits experienced by older persons cannot be evaluated and remain hidden. Further, in the absence of such information, policy makers cannot identify priority areas for political interventions and prepare for the growing LTC demand of older persons in ageing societies.
Against this background, this paper has developed for the first time global estimates on LTC protection of persons aged 65 and over. This study presents these estimates. It is following up on discussions held during the International Labour Conference in 2014 and the ILO Governing Body focusing on demographic change and the care economy.