Global Population Aging: A Challenge and Opportunity for Healthy Ageing Policies
The global population is ageing rapidly, with significant implications for pension systems and healthcare costs. Multimorbidity, the presence of multiple long-term conditions, is driving up expenses, particularly for mental health services. By 2050, over 2.1 billion people will be aged 60 and over, requiring governments worldwide to implement integrated policies for healthy ageing.
The rise in life expectancy, from 46 years in 1950 to over 70 years in 2023, has led to an increase in people living with multiple long-term conditions. These include heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and dementia, which put immense pressure on healthcare systems. Proper nutrition, rich in protein, calcium, vitamin D, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, is crucial for preserving muscle and bone health in older adults. Physical activity, even moderate exercise, can reduce the risk of dementia, improve mood, and support cardiovascular health.
Mental health is a growing concern among older adults. Functional decline often leads to feelings of loss and isolation, highlighting the need for community-based services and enabling environments. Governments must adopt integrated policies that encompass preventive care, early screening, and support for healthy ageing to ensure older adults can live independent lives.
The challenge of healthy ageing requires long-term planning across health, economic, and social systems. With the number of people aged 60 and over set to reach 2.1 billion by 2050, governments worldwide must implement integrated policies that prioritise preventive care, mental health support, and enabling environments. This will help older adults live healthy, independent lives, alleviating pressure on pension systems and healthcare costs.
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