Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care

Caring for an Aging Population

The global demographic shift towards an aging population presents both challenges and opportunities for primary care. As life expectancy increases, the prevalence of chronic conditions, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, cognitive decline, multimorbidity, polypharmacy, and the need for comprehensive and patient-centered care rise. As the population ages, we need a primary care adapted to meet the increasing demands and needs of older adults, and evidence-based insights to inform policy changes and resource allocation. Research on aging can lead to innovations in care practices, technologies, and interventions that enhance the quality of life for older adults. This includes advancements in assistive devices and telemedicine as well as improved clinical communication and personalized care plans that promote treatment and care aligned with the patients values and wishes.

Studying the biological, psychological, and social aspects of aging helps scientists understand the aging process itself. This knowledge can lead to breakthroughs in delaying the onset of age-related diseases, promoting healthy aging, and extending the healthy lifespan. The economic burden of age-related diseases and conditions is significant. Research can identify cost-effective interventions and preventive measures that reduce healthcare costs, may affect the allocation of resources, and improve the sustainability of healthcare systems.Research on older adults also addresses important social and ethical issues, from ageism, elder abuse, and the rights of older individuals to under- and overtreatment and information and involvement in treatment and care decisions. It may promote a more inclusive and respectful society that values the contributions and dignity of older adults.

In summary, scientific research on older individuals is vital for improving health outcomes and enhancing quality of life for patients and their relatives, improving the content and quality of the health care services and ensuring that healthcare systems are prepared to meet the needs of an aging population. This Article Collection, "Caring for an Aging Population," aims to address these critical issues, providing primary care professionals with the latest research, insights, and practical strategies to enhance the quality of care for older adults in primary health care. This Article Collection will serve as a resource for primary care professionals in general practice and nursing homes,  providing knowledge and tools necessary to provide high-quality care for an aging population.

We welcome submissions that explore the diagnosis, epidemiology, and treatment of chronic conditions in elderly in primary health care. Clinical trials evaluating different management strategies of chronic conditions will also be considered, particularly those focusing on polypharmacy and drug related problems, artificial intelligence, digital care, healthy aging, clinical communication and person centered care.  Studies that provide novel insights into multidisciplinary treatment approaches are encouraged, as is studies focusing on the patients’ perspective.

As a summary, we invite contributions on a broad range of topics, including but not limited to:

• Clinical trials
• Epidemiological studies
• Qualitative research

Guest Advisors 

Veronica Milos Nymberg is a general practitioner (GP) at Laröd Primary Health Care Center in Helsingborg, Southern Sweden, and an Associate Professor at Lund University. She meets patients on a regular basis, and her research covers areas such as caring for older adults, e-health, cardiovascular prevention and mental health. She received the award “Paper of the year 2019” from the Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care for the article ‘Having to learn this so late in our lives...' Swedish elderly patients' beliefs, experiences, attitudes and expectations of e-health in primary health care’.

Maria Romøren is an Associate Professor at the Department of General Practice and a researcher at the Centre for Medical Ethics, University of Oslo. She is also a practicing general practitioner in Nøtterøy, Norway. Her research focuses on advance care planning, ethical challenges in healthcare, and family involvement in mental health services, particularly through implementation studies in primary, geriatric, and psychiatric care. Romøren has extensive experience in both qualitative and intervention studies, experience in academic teaching and health professional training, and has supervised several PhD and master’s students.

All manuscripts submitted to this Article Collection will undergo a full peer-review; the Guest Advisors for this Collection will not be handling the manuscripts (unless they are an Editorial Board member). All Guest Advisors declare no Conflict of Interests.

Please review the journal scope and author submission instructions prior to submitting a manuscript.

The deadline for submitting manuscripts is April 27th 2026.

Please contact Francis Straw at francis.straw@tandf.co.uk with any queries or for information regarding APC discounts in this Article Collection.

Please be sure to select the appropriate Article Collection from the drop-down menu in the submission system. Failure to select the appropriate Article Collection can result in delays.