Dr Matiur Rahman :
On December 14, 1990, the United Nations General Assembly designated October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons, recognising the growing importance of older people in our rapidly ageing global population. This significant day was established through UN Resolution 45/106.
This year’s theme, “Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide,” highlights the growing need to prioritise the well-being of older individuals in societies around the globe.
These initiatives, such as the 1982 Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing and the 1991 adoption of the United Nations Principles for Older Persons, stand as a testament to our commitment to addressing the needs and concerns of older persons.
Further action was taken in 2002 with the Second World Assembly on Ageing, which introduced the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing to respond to the challenges of population ageing in the 21st century.
Between 1980 and 2021, the global population of 65 and older tripled, from around 260 million to 761 million. Projections show that by 2050, this number will more than double to 1.6 billion.
The projected growth of people aged 80 and older, a demographic expanding even faster, presents urgent challenges and opportunities in addressing older persons’ health, care, and support needs. This unprecedented demographic shift is not merely a statistic; it’s a call to action.
Bangladesh’s ageing population is becoming a significant concern, as is the case in many other countries. According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, the proportion of the population aged 65 and above increased from 5.67% in 2022 to 6.14% in 2023.
Projections suggest that by 2050, the population of people aged 60 and above will reach 36 million, or 22% of the total population. This trend reflects global patterns.
According to the World Health Organization, by 2030, one in six people worldwide will be 60 years or older. This rapid increase in older populations underscores the importance of implementing systems to care for older people.
As life expectancy continues to rise – now exceeding 75 years in half of the world’s countries – the imperative to promote health, prevent illness, and provide adequate care across the lifespan becomes increasingly urgent.
The ageing process is shaped not only by biological factors but also by the social and physical environments in which older individuals live. These supportive environments are crucial in helping older people maintain independence, perform daily activities, and stay active.
It is not just an individual’s biological capacity that matters but also the environments that support or hinder their functionality. Public spaces, homes, neighbourhoods, and social systems must all work together to create environments where older people can age with dignity and continue to contribute to society.
One of the most concerning trends accompanying population ageing is the rising demand for healthcare and social support, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions such as dementia, a leading cause of disability and dependency among older adults.
Meeting these growing needs requires specialised care systems and healthcare services tailored to older populations’ unique challenges. The increasing prevalence of these conditions underlines the need for a global approach encompassing preventive healthcare and long-term care services.
The role of caregivers, particularly women, cannot be overstated. Globally, women contribute approximately 70% of informal care hours, often at the expense of their economic opportunities. This is especially true in low- and middle-income countries with limited formal care services.
As a result, women, both as care recipients and caregivers, face increased risks of poverty in old age. Addressing these gender disparities is essential in ensuring that all older persons receive the care and support they need.
The physical and mental changes that accompany ageing are diverse and unpredictable. Ageing results from accumulated molecular and cellular damage over time, leading to a gradual decline in physical and cognitive capacities.
Common health conditions associated with older age include hearing loss, cataracts, osteoarthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, and dementia. Geriatric syndromes such as frailty, urinary incontinence, and falls are also common and often result from a combination of factors. These health conditions require comprehensive and specialised care systems to manage them effectively.
Unfortunately, evidence suggests that while people live longer, they are not necessarily healthier. Many experience extended periods of poor health, which limits their ability to engage in activities they enjoy. Ensuring that older individuals can live their additional years in good health is critical for their well-being and reducing the burden on healthcare systems.
The environments in which people live also play a crucial role in determining how they age. Homes, communities, and public spaces must be accessible and supportive, enabling older people to maintain their independence even as their capacities decline. Therefore, public health strategies must focus on treating diseases and creating environments that foster recovery, adaptation, and psychosocial growth.
The 2024 International Day of Older Persons theme, “Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide,” highlights the urgent need to address these challenges. As populations age, the demand for comprehensive care and support systems has grown substantially.
This year’s theme emphasises the need to strengthen healthcare systems, expand training in geriatrics and gerontology, and address the global shortage of care workers. It also calls for a focus on protecting the human rights of both caregivers and care recipients, ensuring that older persons have access to person-centred care that respects their dignity, beliefs, and needs.
The commemoration of the International Day of Older Persons provides a platform for governments, policymakers, and healthcare professionals to come together and discuss solutions for the challenges posed by global ageing.
Strengthening care and support systems is a moral and practical necessity in a rapidly ageing world.
By investing in healthcare systems, training caregivers, and creating supportive environments, societies can ensure that older persons can age with dignity, independence, and the respect they deserve.
(The writer is a researcher and
development worker).