POPULATION AGING AND THE SUSTAINABILITY OF THE SUS: CHALLENGES FOR LONG-TERM CARE

Resumen

Population aging in Brazil has led to significant changes in the organization of health systems, especially the Unified Health System (SUS), requiring new strategies for long-term care. This study aims to analyze the main challenges to the sustainability of SUS in the context of an increasing elderly population, focusing on continuous and comprehensive care. This is a narrative literature review based on national and international scientific publications addressing aging, public policies, and elderly healthcare. The results indicate that the growing demand for long-term care, combined with limited resources, weaknesses in the healthcare network, and a lack of specific policies for caregivers, undermines system effectiveness. Furthermore, the need for integration across levels of care and the strengthening of primary healthcare as the coordinator of care is highlighted. It is concluded that ensuring the sustainability of SUS in the face of population aging requires structural investments, professional training, and the expansion of public policies aimed at long-term care, thereby ensuring equity and quality in healthcare delivery for the elderly population.