Health system reforms and the needs of the ageing population : an analysis of recent policy paths and reform trends in Finland and Sweden

AbstractPopulation ageing with an increasing number of people experiencing complex health and social care needs challenges health systems. We explore whether andhow health system reforms and policy measures adopted during the past two decades in Finland and Sweden reflect and address the needs of the older people. We discuss health system characteristics that are important to meet the care needs of older people and analyse how health policy agendas have highlighted these aspects in Finland and Sweden. The analysis is based on “most similar cases”. The two countries have rather similar health systems and are facing similar challenges. However, the policy paths to address these challenges are…