Public Health Implications of Global Aging

Aging is a global proble, and each country deals with it differently. In this article, Dr Deryk D Pattron, Ph.D looks at the public health implications of Global Aging.

October 1st, 2006 marks the 16th International Day for Older Persons. The theme of this years observance is: 'Improving the quality of life for older persons: advancing United Nations global strategies.'

The World Health Organization or WHO estimated that from 2000 until 2050, the worlds population aged 60 and over will more than triple from 600 million to 2 billion. Most of this increase is believed to be occurring in developing countries, where the number of older people will rise from 400 million in 2000 to 1.7 billion by 2050.

In Trinidad and Tobago, 11 % of the population are aged 60 and over while 14% of the population are aged 80 and over. This means that 14500 of the total population are aged 60 and over. The average life expectancy for men is 78 years and for women is 81 years.

But what does an increase in the population of older persons really mean? And how can we prepare for this inevitable eventuality?

The elderly is an important vulnerable group in society and as such every effort must be made to preserve and harness this valuable human potential, talents and experiences that this group offer, while maintaining health and well being.

What can Governments do? * Establish policies, regulations and guidelines targeting the elderly population. * Provide equitable access to food, clothing, transport and shelter. * Provide pension plans to facilitate upkeep and day-to-day living expenses. * Provide equitable access to health care facilities, in particular primary health care facilities. * Provide timely delivery of health care in terms of diagnosis, treatment and management of health problems. * Establish health centers specializing in elderly care. * Develop strict legislation and policies designed as a deterrent to abuse of the elderly. * Develop outreach programs for the elderly such as 'Meals on wheels' or 'Medicine on wheels.' * Establish and maintain a comprehensive data base of problems afflicting the elderly and necessary corrective actions. * Subsidize drugs and necessary health care for elderly. * Provide counseling and emotional support services for the elderly. * Life-long health promotion and disease prevention activities can prevent or delay the onset of non-communicable and chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke and cancer.

What can the Non Governmental Organizations do? * Establish pension plans and retirement plans for their retirees. * Establish and adopt adequate health care systems through the use of reputable insurance schemes. * Continue to employ and utilize the expertise and talents of the elderly. * Establish collaborative relationships with governmental agencies, community groups and leaders to create a friendlier, healthful environment for the elderly.

What can families do? * Be more supportive and understanding. * Integrate the elderly back into family activities. Do not isolate and segregate. * Find innovative ways to utilize the vast knowledge and wisdom of the elderly. * Provide the necessary physical, mental and social amenities for proper health and well being. * Develop family networks and support groups through the Churches, Mosques and Temples, at the level of the home, communities, societies and nations.

Global aging is upon us, we must make the necessary adjustments now, if not sooner, in primary health care, and social support services in order to fully appreciate and utilize the vast experiences of the elderly. This task may seem simple but it takes considerable planning, and resources to treasure our most valuable human potential, the elderly.

Dr Pattron is a Public Health Scientist.