As the world’s population continues to age, it is essential to understand the implications and challenges that come with this demographic shift. People worldwide are living longer, with most individuals now expecting to live into their sixties and beyond. By 2030, it is projected that 1 in 6 people globally will be aged 60 years or over, with the number of individuals in this age group expected to reach 1.4 billion. By 2050, the population of people aged 60 years and older is set to double to 2.1 billion, with the number of individuals aged 80 years or older tripling to 426 million.
This shift towards an older population, known as population ageing, was initially observed in high-income countries such as Japan, where 30% of the population is already over 60 years old. However, it is now low- and middle-income countries that are experiencing the most significant changes. By 2050, two-thirds of the world’s population over 60 years old will reside in these regions.
At a biological level, ageing results from the accumulation of molecular and cellular damage over time, leading to a gradual decline in physical and mental capacity, increased risk of disease, and ultimately death. However, ageing is not solely determined by chronological age, as it is also influenced by various life transitions such as retirement, relocation, and the loss of loved ones.
Common health conditions associated with ageing include hearing loss, cataracts, back pain, osteoarthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, depression, and dementia. Additionally, older age is characterized by geriatric syndromes such as frailty, urinary incontinence, falls, delirium, and pressure ulcers, which are often the result of multiple underlying factors.
Factors influencing healthy ageing include maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, refraining from tobacco use, and living in supportive environments that enable individuals to pursue activities they value. The proportion of life spent in good health has remained relatively constant, highlighting the importance of promoting healthy behaviours throughout life.
Challenges in responding to population ageing include addressing the diverse needs and experiences of older individuals, combating ageist attitudes, and adapting to global trends such as globalization, technological advancements, urbanization, and changing gender norms. A comprehensive public health response is necessary to address these challenges and promote longer and healthier lives for older people.
The United Nations has declared 2021–2030 as the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing, with WHO leading the implementation efforts. This global collaboration aims to reduce health inequities, improve the lives of older individuals, and foster longer and healthier lives through collective action in areas such as changing attitudes towards age and ageism, developing age-friendly communities, delivering person-centered care, and providing access to quality long-term care.
In conclusion, as the world’s population continues to age, it is crucial to understand the implications and challenges associated with this demographic shift. By promoting healthy ageing practices, addressing ageist attitudes, and adapting to global trends, we can ensure that older individuals lead fulfilling and healthy lives in the years to come.