A new data story published in the JRC’s Atlas of Demography shows that investments made so far to improve the availability, affordability and quality of long-term care services are not enough to meet the rising demand for age-related care services. 

Population ageing in Europe is driving an increased demand of long-term care services.  

Long-term care (LTC) refers to a range of services and assistance for persons who, as a result of old age, illness and mental or physical disability, are dependent on help for daily activities such as bathing, dressing and cooking, which healthy adults are usually able handle without assistance.  

Long-term care services empower people, usually older adults and persons with disabilities, to maintain their autonomy and live with dignity. 

Supporting the European Care Strategy published today, new data story of the Atlas of Demography provides evidence and projections on the current and future long-term care needs in the EU as well as data on the provision of such services and the labour market for long-term health workers. 

The story shows that 27% of the EU population aged 65 or over living in private households report permanent and severe difficulties with personal care or household activities.  

JRC researchers estimate that the number of people aged 50+ with long-term care needs will increase by approximately +24% by 2050 and +36% by 2070. 

Older women are likely to need long-term care more than men (32% of women aged 65 or over experience severe difficulties with personal care compared to 19% of men) and the demand is higher among people with low income and low educational level.  

The story stresses that investing in healthy ageing, better access to health care, and more prevention could at least partially offset the upward trend in long-term care needs due to ageing. 

The data indicates that the current level of provision of long-term care services in the EU does not match the demand.  

In the EU Member States, almost half of people aged 65 or over with severe difficulties in personal care or household activities do not currently receive enough long-term care assistance. For many, these services are unaffordable, unavailable and inaccessible. 

Inadequate public investments, unbalanced territorial distribution of care services, limited care options and low quality or lack of quality standards are some of the challenges facing this sector. 

The sector, which mainly employs women and which has a high potential to create more jobs, is currently affected by labour shortages due to difficult working conditions and low wages.  

Informal long-term care provided by family members or friends is often an involuntary decision to fill the gap in the formal care sector, and also in this area women tend to bear the burden.   

The European Care Strategy aims to ensure quality, affordable and accessible care services and to improve the working conditions and work-life balance of carers.

Explore more data and trends on long-term care in the Atlas of Demography