“Tsunami of Ageing”:
It is estimated that there are more than 750 million (about 10 percent of the world population) over the age of 65 years worldwide today (2016). The latest projections from the World Health Organization, reveals that at the current rate, there will be around 2 billion people 65 years and older by 2050. Additionally, elderly will exceed the number of children in the near future and this “Tsunami of aging” will result in significant economical, social and medical complications. Approximately three years ago, Tokyo Times reported that Japan became the first country in the world where there were 2.5 times more adults than baby diapers sold, and in Canada we are not too far off.
Most of the world’s population above 65 years currently live in developed countries and this will shortly result in collapse of social support and health care systems. In a not too distant future, due to the ageing population, the leading health disorders will be “Brain Diseases”.
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Brain Disorders and Diseases:
The World Federation of Neurology, estimates that around 30 percent of people aged 65 years and older suffer from either Alzheimer, Dementia, Parkinson or stroke and the prevalence of Alzheimer, and dementia increases with age.
The health authorities estimate that around 25% of people over the age of 65 are dependent and require regular intervention and support in their daily activities. The society’s financial drain is unimaginable. Presently in Canada and most of the developed countries nearly one half of the health care spending is associated with elderly care, and it is projected to become two-thirds within the next 15 years if drastic measures are not taken. Just Imagine the number of people who will be visiting hospitals, elderly care facilities, and clinics everyday in the near future! Which healthcare infrastructure in any jurisdictions is really ready for the “Tsunami of aging”?
