I edited an Economist Intelligence Unit article on global healthy ageing challenges. Rising global life expectancy is both a success story and a significant challenge for countries around the world. While many people are enjoying good health well into old age, others are finding that they are living longer with more serious health conditions.
Over the past 35 years, global life expectancy has increased significantly: 11 years for men and 12 years for women (67.5 and 73.3, respectively). The UN estimates that average life expectancy will increase from the current 71 years to 77 years in 2050.
In Japan, these trends are even more pronounced, with life expectancy projected to rise from 84 to 88 years by 2050. Japan has the world’s oldest population, with a third of its population over the age of 60. As a result, the country has significant experience in addressing the challenges facing an ageing population. In addition, a number of other countries have been experimenting with ways of making healthcare more integrated and urban environments more accessible for the elderly.
Those interviewed for the article say that the key aim of governments and policymakers should be looking at ways to improve the quality of life of older people and help them to stay well and independent for longer.
Yet the increase in the number of older people confronting multiple chronic diseases highlights the need for different training for healthcare providers and a broader understanding of the geriatric patient. Older populations are also putting pressure on healthcare infrastructure and healthcare systems, as well as posing challenges for information and communications technology systems as the collection and analysis of a growing amount of data become increasingly important. Finally, there is a need to create sustainable environments for ageing populations.
How can healthcare systems prepare for older patients and enable healthy ageing? Find out more.
