The world is ageing fast. By 2030, there will be more people over 60 than under 10 years of age.

 

·         The world’s population is rapidly ageing: The number of people aged 60 years or older will rise from 900 million to 2 billion between 2015 and 2050 (moving from 12% to 22% of the total global population).

·         Ageism can be as pervasive than sexism or racism

·         When it comes to health, there is no ‘typical’ older person: Biological ageing is only loosely associated with person age in years. Some 80 year-olds have physical and mental capacities similar to many 20 year-olds

·         Health in older age is not random:  Besides genetics, it is due to their physical and social environments, and the influence on their opportunities and health behaviour

·         Comprehensive public health action will require fundamental shifts in how we think about ageing and health

·         Health systems need to be realigned to the needs of older populations

·         In the 21st century, all countries need an integrated system of long-term care

·         Healthy Ageing involves all levels and sectors of government.