Page 37 - Fredo Eyong

RESEARCH

Key facts If people can experience these extra years of life in good health and if they live in
a supportive environment, their ability to do the things they value will be little
• Between 2015 and 2050, the proportion of the world's population different from that of a younger person. If these added years are dominated by

over 60 years will nearly double from 12% to 22%. declines in physical and mental capacity, the implications for older people and

• By 2020, the number of people aged 60 years and older will for society are more negative.
outnumber children younger than 5 years.

• In 2050, 80% of older people will be living in low- and

middle-income countries.
• The pace of population ageing is much faster than in the past.

• All countries face major challenges to ensure that their health
and social systems are ready to make the most of this demographic

shift. Non-Supportive environment Supportive environment

Common health conditions associated with ageing A rapidly changing world: Globalization, technological developments (e.g. in
transport and communication), urbanization, migration and changing gender
Hearing loss, cataracts, and refractive errors, back and neck pain norms are influencing the lives of older people in direct and indirect ways. For

and osteoarthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, example, although the number of surviving generations in a family has increased,
today these generations are more likely than in the past to live separately.
diabetes, depression, and dementia. Furthermore, as people age, A public health response must take stock of these current and projected trends,
they are more likely to experience several conditions at the and frame policies accordingly

same time.

People worldwide are living longer. By 2050, the world’s population aged

60 years and older is expected to total 2 billion, up from 900 million in 2015. Commitment to

Today, 125 million people are aged 80 years or older. By 2050, there will be Healthy Ageing.
almost this many
(120 million) living in China alone, and 434 million people in this age group

worldwide. By 2050, 80% of all older people will live in low- and middle-income

countries Improving measurement,
monitoring, Aligning health
12% and understanding. systems with the

Consultation on Global needs of older
Strategy on populations.
Global Strategy
Ageing and Health

Creating age-friendly
environments. Developing systems

for providing long-term care.
22%