It is predicted that life expectancy will increase in the next decade to over 80 or 90. However, long term chronic conditions are also likely to rise. To ease this burden on the NHS, doctors believe that we all need to change our attitude to health.

Although life expectancy is increasing, it does not necessarily mean that it will lead to extra years of healthy life. It is likely that we will suffer more from chronic conditions. For example heart disease and arthritis are more common and putting strain on the NHS. One research suggests that spending on dementia will need to double in the future. There is also the impact of obesity, high alcohol consumption and smoking to be considered.

The NHS needs to react now to curb the future increase in long term spending. One suggestion is to further invest in technology. At Swansea University they are researching ways to bring together systems across the NHS. For example, patients suffering from diabetes could test their blood sugar at home, and the results could be instantly sent to their GP. The idea is to give patients control to manage their health. Patients could even make GP appointments online and order repeat prescriptions.

Diseases from the past that have been uncommon in more recent years, such as tuberculosis need to be monitored to ensure they do not increase to prevent further cost to the Health Service.

With life expectancy increasing, the need for long term treatment of chronic conditions rising and further investment in technology required, the next ten years will be testing times for the NHS.