The environment in which we live influences our health, resilience and well-being across the life course. Creating accessible and supportive physical and social environments can maximize people’s function and enable older men and women to continue to do those things that are important to them.
Elder abuse is a problem that exists in both developing and developed countries yet it is typically underreported. The extent of abuse globally is unknown but a recent systematic review of selected developed countries found prevalence of elder abuse, in the past month, of 6%. The problem of elder abuse is particularly troubling in view of the expected doubling of the number of older adults worldwide from 2000 to 2050. The extent and negative impact of elder abuse makes it an important public health priority.
Emergency situations are increasing worldwide and older people remain one of the most seriously affected groups. Yet, the needs and contributions of older people need to be better considered by humanitarian organizations in terms of policy and practice.
Whether it is maintaining active ageing societies, or dealing with growing chronic diseases, housing and other community and social elements of ageing, understanding how to make use of evidence to develop a national approach to the ageing agenda is essential.
About ageing and life-course
Populations around the world are rapidly ageing. This is a cause for celebration. In part it reflects our successes in dealing with childhood disease, maternal mortality and in helping women achieve control over their own fertility.