Chronic Disease Management and Rehabilitation in Older Adults

Dear Colleagues,

The phenomenon often referred to as the "silver tsunami" reflects a global demographic shift, with projections indicating that by 2050, approximately 21% of the world’s population will be aged 60 years or older. According to the National Council on Aging, nearly 80% of older adults are affected by at least one chronic condition.

The World Health Organization defines chronic diseases as health conditions persisting for one year or longer, often requiring ongoing medical attention or limiting daily activities. While chronic diseases can affect individuals of any age, their prevalence is significantly higher among the elderly. This trend is largely driven by global factors such as rapid urbanization, unhealthy lifestyle habits, and the natural consequences of aging. Simultaneously, advancements in medical technology and healthcare have contributed to increased life expectancy worldwide. However, longevity does not necessarily equate to healthy aging; approximately 60% of older adults develop chronic conditions, largely attributed to poor dietary habits and sedentary behavior.

As the burden of chronic disease among the aging population intensifies, there is a growing need for governments to strategically reallocate financial and healthcare resources. Investment in age-specific healthcare infrastructure and services is essential in meeting the complex needs of older adults and supporting sustainable health systems to meet the challenge of demographic aging.

Geriatric rehabilitation plays a vital role in healthcare, particularly in managing both acute and chronic conditions among older adults. As life expectancy continues to rise globally, so does the proportion of the geriatric population. This demographic shift is accompanied by an increase in age-related disabilities, commonly associated with musculoskeletal disorders, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, frailty syndrome, neurological conditions, and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, many of which significantly impact mobility and daily functioning. As a result, the demand for comprehensive and effective rehabilitation services is expected to grow substantially.

Geriatric rehabilitation involves a holistic and multidisciplinary approach designed to reduce the burden of these conditions by minimizing functional impairments and improving quality of life. It focuses not only on physical recovery but also on restoring the individual’s sense of wholeness and well-being. The goal of GR is to address the sense of disconnection that individuals may feel toward their bodies due to illness or dysfunction and to foster a renewed belief in their capacity for active, meaningful participation in society.

By tackling core issues such as pain and mobility limitations, geriatric rehabilitation enables older adults to re-engage with everyday life roles—including social interaction and, where possible, employment. This contributes to broader health, social, and economic benefits on a global scale. In light of the worldwide aging of the population and the growing prevalence of noncommunicable diseases, rehabilitation is increasingly being recognized as an essential component of healthcare systems.

For this Special Issue, we invite contributions that explore the effectiveness of various management strategies for chronic diseases in older adults, as well as geriatric rehabilitation models and programs, particularly in relation to health promotion, disease prevention, and the management of age-related conditions.

I look forward to receiving your submissions.

Dr. Justyna Mazurek
Guest Editor

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• chronic disease
• older adults
• geriatric rehabilitation
• holistic physiotherapy
• physical activity
• health outcomes
• elderly people
• geriatric care
• health promotion