Number of people over 60 years set to double by 2050

On the international Day of Older Persons (October 1), the World Health Organization (WHO) released a new report on ageing. According to the report, the number of people over the age of 60 is expected to double by 2050 and will require radical societal change.

“Today, most people, even in the poorest countries, are living longer lives,” says Dr Margaret Chan, Director-General of WHO. “But this is not enough. We need to ensure these extra years are healthy, meaningful and dignified. Achieving this will not just be good for older people, it will be good for society as a whole.”

The "World report on ageing and health 2015" highlights three key areas for action which will require a fundamental shift in the way society thinks about ageing and older people. The first is to make the places we live in much more friendly to older people. The second is realigning health systems to the needs of older people will also be crucial.The third is governments also need to develop long-term care systems that can reduce inappropriate use of acute health services and ensure people live their last years with dignity.

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Source & Copyright: WHO