The World Health Day celebrated yesterday (Saturday) has shone the spotlight on the health of ageing people in society.
The Day, which is celebrated annually on April 7, represents a unique opportunity to focus attention on specific global health issues with intention, and to compel governments, international communities, civil societies and individuals to take action globally.
“There is an urgent need to focus attention on issues, such as economic effects of ageing, on the health care system, ways of ensuring independence in old age, quality of life and health problems of elderly females and very old persons,” said Moagi Gaborone, the Health Promotion Officer of the World Health Organisation (WHO).
He said the health of Botswana’s ageing population is a big challenge that needs to be addressed with urgency, attributing the health outcomes in old age to sedentary lifestyle and habits, such as poor diet.
“Our focus is how good health throughout life can help older men and women lead full and productive lives and be a resource for their families and communities,” said Gaborone.
Gaborone called for a greater attention to the ageing of Botswana population, its implications for health policy and for the promotion of a society where the elderly can live full, enriching and productive lives.
He revealed that while there has been a steady increase in life expectancy and the elderly population, the burden of non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, cancers, diabetes, and mental health problems are also growing, putting significant additional demands on health services in the country.
The WHO revealed that the world is rapidly ageing, and less developed countries will see the fastest change. Hence, there is a unique window of opportunity now to prepare health and social systems for an ageing world. “A sizeable number of people are getting old in Botswana hence the need to provide services that cater for old people’s health,” said Gaborone.
He encouraged the young population not to give up on elderly people but to give them all the support they need.
“The government, policy-makers and partners should pay urgent attention to ageing and health in the country,” he said.
The global health body revealed that the number of aged people will double by 2025 and triple by 2050. The WHO expressed concern over changing social patterns where nuclear families are replacing joint families and the old and the infirm are often left at home.
“These changing patterns of society are now affecting the care of the old and very old persons at home. Healthy ageing requires a significant paradigm shift in providing care to the elderly,” the WHO said.