THL, Future views on health and welfare in Finland (english summary)

engLIsh suMMaryFuture views on healthand welfare in Finland, 2012P rofessor Pekka Puska, Director General of the Technology: Technological change is penetrating everyday National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL, life. In particular, revolutionary changes in production, Finland) writes in his opening paragraph: “This processing and use of information will have an effect onfirst annual foresight report of THL points out many all spheres of life. The effects will be strongly felt in theaspects of positive development in public health and practices of health and social welfare services and infor-welfare in the long run in Finland. By and large, this deve- mation systems.lopment will be continued in the near future. Globalization: Diminishing the harmful consequences ofHowever, there are also shadows in the overall positive globalization is possible with international efforts. Globali-picture. Examples include increasing differences in health zation also improves the prospects for international colla-and well-being between socio-economic groups, uncertain boration. One of the effects of globalization is the increa-economic development, changes in environmental condi- sing number of international enterprises providing healthtions particularly in regard to and climate change in parti- and social services.cular, fast technological development with its good and Values: Health, family and social justice will be thebad fruits, the onslaught of globalization with a diminis- cornerstones of Finnish basic values. Rapid global changeshing space for national action, a diversification of the basic force decision-makers into repeated value-based choices.values of the population, and the uncertain outcomes of Thus, the importance of values will be increaseing.many administrative and structural reforms. Administrative reforms and structures in health care andTwo special topics are highlighted in the report, one being social service systems: In Finland, reforms have beenageing population and the other one the situation of proposed in the structures of local administrationschildren, young people and families. In both cases, the (municipalities), in systems of health and social serviceincreasingly multi-faceted needs for health and social provision, in the financing of health and social services,services become visible”. and in information systems related to health and welfare.Population: The overall picture takes in ageing population, The National Institute for Health and Welfare is the keyincreasing variation in living conditions and lifestyles, and expert organization to support the reforms with expertise,increasing differences between population subgroups’ assessment of effects and evaluation.health and well-being. Increasing inequality is a potential Ageing: For long, the basic scenario for the future inthreat. Finland is one million elderly people in a population ofEconomy: Even in uncertain global conditions there is less than 6 millions. While the health of the elderly is stillpotential for positive economic development in Finland. improving, the demand for support and help by professio-One of the key elements is the successful mobilization of nals and family members will increase. The improved func-all Finns and their capacities. One of the foremost goals of tional capacity of the elderly also opens new possibilitiesexperts and professionals working with issues of health in the future.and well-being is to support functional capacity and active Children, young people and families: The economic, socialparticipation of all population groups. and cultural environments of children, young people andEnvironmental conditions: Health risks related to changing families are in constant flux. Life situations and work andenvironmental conditions, such as climate change and the family structures are increasingly variable. This is reflectedeffects of motor vehicle traffic, are rising on the agenda of in changing needs for health and social services.health policy. TERVEYDEN JA HYVINVOINNIN LAITOS • TERVEYDEN JA HYVINVOINNIN TULEVAISUUKSIA 2012 • 11

THL, Future views on health and welfare in Finland (english summary)

by THL on Jun 01, 2012

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THL, Future views on health and welfare in Finland (english summary) Document Transcript