Caring For An Aging Population

Caring For An Aging Population
RUESSELSHEIM, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 03: Elderly people rest in a public swimming pool on September 3, 2005 in Ruesselsheim, Germany. Germany's economy and pension system is being burdened by an expanding elderly population, and German politians are offering various solutions ahead of the elections on September 18. (Photo by Ralph Orlowski/Getty Images)
RUESSELSHEIM, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 03: Elderly people rest in a public swimming pool on September 3, 2005 in Ruesselsheim, Germany. Germany's economy and pension system is being burdened by an expanding elderly population, and German politians are offering various solutions ahead of the elections on September 18. (Photo by Ralph Orlowski/Getty Images)

Everywhere in the world, people are living longer. Studies show the average age of the human population is rising.

By the year 2050, an estimated two billion people will be aged 60 or older. And the number of people 80 years or older will have almost quadrupled to 395 million. That is the latest number from the United Nations’ World Health Organization.

The WHO says governments must prepare now to deal with an increasingly aging world. As people age, they may develop long-term health problems. These disorders may affect their quality of life and create problems for society and health care systems.

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