Projected need and demand
In previous years, data has shown an upward trend in the prevalence of conditions such as osteoporosis. The need and demand linked to MSK health is expected to continue to rise due to:
- Our ageing population
- Rising obesity levels
- Reduced levels of physical activity
This will not be offset by the projected declines in smoking..
As above, three in ten working age people in the UK have a long-term health condition (including MSK conditions) and this is projected to rise to four in ten by 2040. These projections could mean that increasing numbers of people will struggle to work due to MSK conditions, which will further increase the burden on health and social care and the wider societal costs.