Anshu Banerjee, the head WHODivision on maternal, child and adolescent health and aging, emphasize the need to rethink how care is provided for older people.
“We all need support to care for ourselves at some point in our lives, but we are more likely to need care the longer we live,” he said.
“However, Evidence shows that care and support systems around the world are unprepared to meet the needs of older people.”
Alarming statistics
According to WHO analysis, unmet health care needs persist among older people, regardless of where they live.
By 2030, one in six people globally will be over 60 years old, and 80% of older people will live in low- and middle-income countries by 2050, further underscoring the global priority of healthy aging.
The latest data also point to alarming challenges ahead, including the “ageist” stereotype that poor health is an inevitable part of aging, thereby causing Many older adults do not receive the care they need.
The report also found that only 25% of countries reported having enough resources to implement integrated care, and only 16% of low-income countries provided training programs for informal caregivers. , who are pillars of support in many areas.
The majority of them are family members and are almost always women.
Radical change is needed
Dr. Banerjee noted that transforming the care system is essential not only for older people but also to improve care for all age groups, making this a valuable investment for the future. hybrid.
“The United Nations Decade on Healthy Aging highlights that A fundamental shift in the way we value and deliver care is needed to promote healthy aging – and WHO stands ready to support countries committed to making this change,” he said.
The agency’s recommendations to transform the care system include providing person-centered care that focuses on individual needs and preferences, integrating health care services and society in a variety of settings and provide equitable support to caregivers.
It also highlights the need for closer collaboration between national governments, local authorities, civil society and the private sector to implement these changes.
International Day of Older Persons
The call coincided with International Day of Older Personsoccurs as the world approaches the midpoint of United Nations Decade of Healthy Aging (2021-2030) on combating ageism, creating age-friendly environments and improving integrated and long-term care.
This year’s theme for International Day of Older Persons is: Aging with dignity: The importance of strengthening care and support systems for older people worldwide.
