Trends in the Utilization of Healthcare Services of NPOs by the Elderly

Abstract

The global dynamics of population indicates that the proportion of the elderly population is increasing. Pakistan is the 6^th most populous country in the world (worldometer 2025). The British Council report (2019) projected the estimation of over-60 population at about 7% (14 million people). The World Bank report (2022) and Pakistan Population Census (2023) shows that 65+ population at 4.27% with expectations to reach 8.5% by 2030 and 12.9% by 2050 respectively. It becomes a challenge for the public sector healthcare services to meet the needs of the growing population. Non-Profit Organizations are providing a large spectrum of services to the marginalized communities in Pakistan. To find the trends of utilization of healthcare services by the elderly population offered by the NPOs. By using cross-sectional survey method, one Tesil - Raiwind was selected from Lahore city. Purposive sampling was used to select registered NPOs (N=13) providing healthcare services (Diagnostic and treatment) to the elderly populations. An increasing trend was observed in varied healthcare services availed by the elderly. Accessibility, affordability, equitability shapes elderly perceptions and understanding, trust worthiness, satisfaction, empathy, and care to create a positive and meaningful image to seek healthcare services.