Interesting Age Facts and Trivia You Probably Didn't Know
For the first time in human history, the average lifespan has increased to the 60s and beyond. The benefits of a longer life span extend beyond the elderly and their loved ones to benefit all of society. More time allows you to contribute to your family and community in meaningful ways, while also exploring interests you may have overlooked. These possibilities, however, are limited by one major factor: health.
First, the global population is getting older at an alarming rate.
Between 2015 and 2050, the world's population of adults aged 60 and more will increase from 900 million to 2 billion, or from 12% to 22% of the total population. The rate at which the population is becoming older is increasing rapidly. For instance, while France had over 150 years to adjust to a doubling of the percentage of its population over 60, countries like Brazil, China, and India will only have a little over 20 years.
Second, there's not much proof that today's seniors enjoy greater health than their parents did at the same age.
It's possible that during the past three decades, the percentage of elderly persons in high-income nations who require assistance with activities as simple as eating and bathing has decreased modestly. The incidence of milder impairments, on the other hand, has not changed.
Thirdly, noncommunicable illnesses are the leading causes of death among the elderly.
The illness burden experienced by the elderly in low- and medium-income nations is higher than that of their counterparts in the wealthy world. Heart disease, stroke, and chronic lung disease are the leading causes of death among the elderly worldwide. Sensory impairments (especially in low- and lower-middle-income countries), chronic obstructive lung disease (especially in low- and lower-middle-income countries), back and neck pain, depression, falls, diabetes, dementia, and osteoarthritis are the leading causes of disability worldwide.
Forth: There is no such thing as a "typical" senior when it comes to physical well-being.
There is just a weak correlation between chronological age and biological age. Some people who are 80 years old are as mentally and physically capable as many people who are 20 years old. Physical and mental deterioration can occur in some persons at far earlier ages.
Fact #5: Health in old age is not a matter of chance
Some differences in health status among the elderly can be traced back to inherited traits, but the vast majority can be attributed to environmental factors including access to resources and social support. It's crucial to remember that the effects of these factors on aging begin in early life. That's why it's double bad news for low-income seniors: they're more likely to be in poor health AND less likely to get the help they need.
Fact No 6: Ageism may now be more common than racism or sexism.
Negative effects on older persons and society at large are a direct result of ageism, or prejudice based on an individual's chronological age. Prejudice towards older people can manifest itself in a variety of ways, such as through overt acts of discrimination or covert institutionalized bias. It can hinder the creation of effective policies and substantially lower the standard of health and social care that the elderly gets.
Fact 7: Shifting our mental models about aging and health is essential for effective public health action.
The absence of sickness is not necessarily indicative of good health in old age. Every individual over the age of 60 may age healthily. It's a method that helps seniors keep up with their lives and pursue their passions. Health and social care costs for the elderly are typically seen as a burden on society, but they should really be seen as investments in seizing opportunities and allowing the elderly to keep making valuable contributions to society.
Truth No. 8: It's imperative to adjust healthcare systems to accommodate growing geriatric populations.
Most healthcare systems aren't set up to deal with the demands of the elderly, who frequently suffer from a number of different chronic illnesses or geriatric syndromes. Care for the elderly must be person-centered and integrated, with an emphasis on preserving functional independence as individuals age.
True #9: A unified long-term care system is a necessity for every nation in the 21st century.
In certain nations, this may require starting from scratch. In other cases, it necessitates rethinking long-term care, shifting the focus from providing a minimum safety net for the most vulnerable to developing a more comprehensive system that helps seniors maintain their independence and dignity while maximizing their functional capacity. It is projected that by 2050, the number of elderly individuals in developing nations who would require assistance with basic life tasks will have quadrupled.
Tenth, all levels and sectors of government are responsible for promoting healthy aging.
Establishing policies and programs that broaden housing alternatives, creating accessible buildings and transportation, fostering age-diversity in the workplace, and safeguarding the elderly from poverty are all examples of intersectoral activity. A deeper familiarity with age-related concerns and trends is also necessary for Healthy Aging to advance.
Conclusion
The advantages of a longer life span are not exclusive to the elderly or those who care for them; rather, they accrue to the entirety of society. Having more time frees you up to make important contributions to your family and community, while also allowing you to explore hobbies that you may have neglected in the past. The state of one's health, on the other hand, places significant constraints on these opportunities.