That more people are living longer in developing countries is a cause for celebration, but this new reality also brings new challenges if it goes unrecognised. New analysis by Age International finds that diseases commonly associated with ageing (ischaemic heart disease, stroke and COPD) make up three of the top four causes of death in low- and middle-income countries. The increase in prevalence of non-communicable diseases shows the need to invest in the kinds of services and programmes which people require later in life.
These findings come as the Charity launches a new publication ‘Facing the facts: the truth about ageing and development’ which brings together expert opinion on the trends, challenges and opportunities presented by a global ageing population. Authors include Margaret Chan, Director-General of the World Health Organization, Mary Robinson, a member of The Elders, and Sir Brendan Gormley, former Chief Executive of the Disasters Emergency Committee.
An ageing population will affect everything from economies and labour markets to health and social care. Age International, the international relief and development Charity, is calling on the UK Government to ensure older people are fully taken into account in negotiations on the UN’s post-2015 sustainable development goal framework and to also ensure the UK Government’s development programme supports people of all ages.
Chris Roles, Director of Age International, said: “Our analysis highlights how population ageing affects every aspect of development, but simply isn’t being given the attention it deserves. We need policies that are fit for the world around us and the future ahead, not ones based on out of date views of who lives in developing countries.
“For example, our experience tells us that older people are far too often invisible in emergency humanitarian situations as well as longer term development programmes. Ignoring the ageing population is no longer an option.”
Mary Robinson said: “The world has more older people today than ever before, yet too many older people still face prejudice and discrimination. ‘Facing the Facts’ is a welcome and much-needed step towards greater recognition of the rights, dignity and value of older people around the world.”
Margaret Chan said: “The health needs of the world’s population are being transformed by global ageing yet governments, development and health practitioners have been slow to react. The increase in the number of older people is one of the success stories of international development and how we respond to this reality will be one of the keys to prosperity in the future.”
Non-communicable diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes and dementia, are predicted to become more widespread and affect increasing numbers of people, yet Age International cautions that healthcare systems around the world are under-prepared for this situation.
There is also an increase in the number of ‘oldest old’ around the world. There are currently about 66 million people aged 80 years or older living in developing countries. This is predicted to rise to around 121 million people by 2030, an increase of 82 per cent in just 15 years.
Older people have a lifetime of skills and experience, and most continue to contribute to local economies through paid or unpaid employment. Many also have valuable roles caring for or raising children. For example, up to 60% of children orphaned by AIDS in Zimbabwe and Namibia are raised by their grandparents. ‘Facing the facts’ draws attention to the wide range of social and economic benefits older people bring to their communities and challenges negative stereotypes of ageing.