Page 39 - Fredo Eyong

OVERVIEW Research conclusions

The world is on the brink of a demographic milestone. Since the For increasingly aging population the following key aspects are

beginning of recorded history, young children have outnumbered most influential in enabling and facilitating active aging:

their elders. In 2010, an estimated 524 million people were aged 65

or older-8 percent of the world’s population. By 2050, this number • Improved Healthcare

is expected to nearly triple to about 1.5 billion, representing 16 o Good access to health insurance

percent of the world’s population. o periodic visits with the GP

• Social Participation
FINDINGS
o Enabling mobility

The key issues that this population faces are: o Access to technology and guidance on how to use it

• Social isolation/ not engaging with the community. o Representation in politics

• Loss of functional abilities (physical/mental) o Inclusion in community

• Navigating public aeras and buildings o Inter-generational exchange

• Feeling of “uselessness” due to rapid changes in technology • Health and fitness

and values in society o Preventative measures such as healthy diet.

• Underperforming products targeted at aging demographic. o Regular mental and physical exercise.

o Worst case: order people being exploited through dubious

business practices. • Technology needs to be more accessible and assistive

• Uncertain financial security for the aging population.

• Ageism within communities and workplaces o Using Technology to bring people together, rather than

• Health systematically segregate a particular group of people.

o Dealing with one or more illnesses and/or disabilities o Product targeted towards the elderly, should not cause

• Access them to be more isolated.

o To jobs and education. o Programs to aid the elderly deal with the rapid change in

o To suitable housing technology.

• Work

Reference o Transition into retirement

who.int/ageing/publications/global_health o Occupational safety