This paper evaluates the demand and supply side of healthcare for older adults in a global context and presents a plausible scenario, with examples taken from a number of selected countries, of the current position of the healthcare workforce caring for older adults. This talk will also explore the gap between the current healthcare situation and the actual support and care that are needed to help and ensure a healthy ageing population. While acknowledging that there are a good number of healthcare workers in some countries, it’s also true that they do not receive adequate training or possess the necessary skills to deliver appropriate support and care to elderly people. Findings from a recent survey on the Nigerian care workforce are shared here. The survey highlights the lack of appropriate knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) among this workforce that lead to real barriers for providing services to elderly people within the community. The findings will be of help to other regions of the world when redesigning their health care systems
