With over 900 million adults age 60 or older currently worldwide, and this number expected to grow to 2 billion within the next 20-30 years, the aging population is exploding. So how is this impacting demographics worldwide? Take a look at some of these assumptions and the realities behind them:
- Developed countries will be hit the hardest by aging challenges. Actually, according to Dr. Linda P. Fried, geriatrician and dean of the Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, China’s population of elderly is about to surpass that of the U.S. It’s anticipated that by 2050, third-world countries will have shifted from a population of mostly younger residents to an equal number of young and old.
- Cities are for the young. While cities have a long way to go in improving accessibility and age-friendliness issues, urban populations are steadily aging – by one estimate, up to 16 times more elderly in cities worldwide by 2050. The World Health Organization is taking steps to make life easier for seniors in cities through its Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities project – such as reinstalling bus stop benches that had previously been removed in New York City.
- Chronic diseases of aging impact the wealthiest nations. Surprisingly, it’s the less developed countries that are battling the most cases of diabetes and heart disease, along with diseases related to smoking and alcohol; and, the vast majority (88%) of health conditions related to environmental issues.
- Families value the elderly in other cultures, so care is superior. In both Africa and India, for example, there’s an assumption that elders are revered and cared for by family members; but sadly, as many as one in five Nigerian elders require care from family, but are not receiving it. And, because of limited resources, family care that is available is “severely compromised,” according to Isabella Aboderin of the African Population and Health Research Center in Nairobi, Kenya.
At Heaven at Home Senior Care, we understand what is needed to age in place safely, and provide quality home care and solutions for independence to aging adults in the Dallas Metroplex area. To learn more about our home care services or to find out how we can make aging at home more comfortable, contact us today!