When the AP story about global aging hit the national
newspapers last September and October, it caused quite a stir, as it illuminated
world aging health disparities and established Sweden as the country leading
the way toward successful aging.
What? Not America? Sadly, no. I hope you have a chance to read the two
articles below for more details about world aging. Here is a summary and analysis.
A joint study on global aging was conducted and from that,
the Global Watch Index findings were published.
They looked at four critical elements that contribute to enhanced
longevity in old age for persons age 60+ [NOT 65+] in 195 countries. They measured income security, health status,
education and employment, and enabling environment. From this, researchers were able to gain a
clearer picture of quality of life in those countries. Below are the rankings:
1.
Sweden
2.
Norway
3.
Germany
4.
Netherlands
5.
Canada
6.
Switzerland
7.
New Zealand
8. USA
35. China
Countries where people are living longer have advances in
public health, nutrition, and medicine and have adopted a philosophy of older
adults as valuable resources…. not burdens.
Countries with long-standing progressive social benefits and pensions
had higher life expectancy and quality of life and better health in advanced
old age. Some examples are Sweden,
Norway, and Mauritius. It’s not
cheap. Sweden has a 60% tax rate. Some of their reforms are asking people to
remain in the workforce until age 64 to continue paying into the system,
mandated and physician-monitored exercise programs, and home maintenance teams
to prevent ladder falls in the home.
Many countries, especially developing countries, lack social
programs that supply income, healthcare, and housing for older adults. Major policy reforms are needed in China [ranked 35
above], Russia, Ukraine, and Montenegro.
Signing off, The Adedoc
Gelineau, K. (2013, September 30). Global study: World not ready for aging
population. AP News Archive. http://www.apnewsarchive.com/2013/World-not-prepared-to-support-growing-elderly-population,-report-by-UN,-aged-care-group-finds/id-96673fb96c7645e2b2017cc4c67069d5
HelpAge International (2013). Global
AgeWatch Index Insight Report.
Retrieved from http://www.helpage.org/global-agewatch/reports/global-agewatch-index-2013-insight-report-summary-and-methodology/
