United Nations promotes healthy ageing

Owing to advances in medical care and other factors that contribute to longevity, life expectancy has increased.

By the year 2040, there will be an estimated 2 billion people over 60 years of age in the world. As the ratio of old to young increases, so too does the burden of providing them with adequate care.

These statistics lie behind The United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021 – 2030), a global initiative that brings together governments, civil society, international agencies, professionals, academia, the media, and the private sector to improve the lives of older people. The plan concentrates on four main areas that enable older people to enjoy their golden years:

1. Age-friendly environments – creating living spaces that are accessible to older people, e.g. stepless housing, or raised flowerbeds for gardening enthusiasts.
2. Combating discrimination – challenging stereotypes where older people are seen as ‘past it’ instead of respected and valued members of society.
3. Access to affordable health care – as the years pass, people are more likely to require chronic medication and other health services, including dental care. These should not be withheld on the basis of inability to pay.
4. Long term care – older people who experience declines in physical and mental capacity must have access to the care and assistance they need to live with dignity.​