Introduction

According to the World Population Prospects: A Revision 2017, the number of elderly people is expected to more than double by 2050, expected to more than triple by 2100 from 2017.  The global population over the age of 60 has grown faster than all young people (Chinese Academy of Sciences et al. (2010)). National Institute of Health along with National Institute of Aging (WHO, 2011) also stated that between 2010 and 2050, the number of older people in less developed countries is projected to increase more than 250 percent, compared with a 71 percent increase in developed countries.

Asia’s profiles on elderly population resemble the world’s population demographic profiles. Asian developed country, like Japan, has lower birth rate and increasing life expectancies (Japan’s demographic profile). As developing country, Indonesia also projected to face demographic problems. In 2016, Indonesia’s population growth was 1.14, lower than in the world (1.18). Lower birth rate put Indonesia in demographic dividend or demographic bonus where working-age population number is higher than dependent population (children and elderly).

Along with demographics changing, “epidemiologic transition” also shift the disease pattern of Indonesian as well as world’s population. It is characterized by the waning of infectious and acute diseases and the emerging importance of chronic and degenerative diseases. Over the next 10 to 15 years, people in every world region will suffer more death and disability from such non-communicable diseases, such as cancer, diabetes and hypertension (WHO, 2011).

Several strategic policies should be taken as demographic changing also imply to many aspects, such as social, eeconomic psychological, as well as medical and dental problems. For example, Japan has fundamental problems on rthe atio of working age and population ratio and fertility rate. The Japanese government has policies to increase productivity and increasing health care for elderly population (National Bureau of Asian Research, 2012). Another country will be facing the same problems on next 10 to 30 years, including European countries, US, India, and China.

Indonesia must overcome the potential challenges from demographic bonus and middle-class growth to be able to take the advantages. Considering Indonesia’s middle-class population structure, policies to support worker skill development and technology awareness through education is needed. From 2015 to 2019, Indonesia enters third stages of National Long-Term Development Plans that is emphasized on establishing the development in the entire sectors by emphasizing the competitiveness that is based on the superior natural resources and competent human resources as well as increasing ability of sciences and technology (Law of Republic of Indonesia Number 17 Year 2007).

Increasing of population along with economic growth and increasing ability of sciences and technology is predicted to increase lifespan thus elevates the number of elderly with the ability to access health service and awareness on a high quality of life. In dental clinic, elderly patients may present with several systemic and social conditions that must be taken account in deciding the treatment plan. Sometimes interdisciplinary approach must be considered to provide the best care for elderly patients. Considering the importance of knowledge on dental treatment for geriatric patients, Faculty of Dentistry Universitas Gadjah Mada has provided Gerodontology subject from 2011.

Many countries already deal with elderly population along with their medical and dental problems. “5th Dental Summer Course on Gerodontology: Interdisciplinary Approach to Improve Health Care Quality of Elderly” program held by Faculty of Dentistry Universitas Gadjah Mada was not designed merely to give an insight on Indonesian elderly population but also an opportunity to transfer the knowledge among participant on how delivering the best care for elderly patients. Experts from medical, dental, pharmacy, nutrition, psychology, and sociology are invited to share their experiences. A series of field study to historical places and villages is provided as well to give the better understanding about Indonesian elderly population nowadays. By the end of this program, participants will have knowledge and experience on elderly population profiles in Indonesia, oral management as well as determining the treatment plan for elderly patients.