2024 International Day of Older People: A Health Policy expert, Dr Eric Oluedo has called on all Nations of the world, to escalate and strengthen Geriatrics Medicine to the level of Paediatrics Medicine, O&G Medicine and Adult Medicine, because of the new Demographic shift in favor of the Elderly.

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2024 International Day of Older People: A Health Policy expert, Dr Eric Oluedo has called on all Nations of the world, to escalate and strengthen Geriatrics Medicine to the level of Paediatrics Medicine, O&G Medicine and Adult Medicine, because of the new Demographic shift in favor of the Elderly. Speaking on the Theme for 2024 celebration: “Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons worldwide”, Dr Oluedo stated that a recent work confirmed that by 2030, older persons will outnumber youths globally.The number of people aged 65 years or older worldwide is projected to more than double, rising from 260 million in 1980 to 761 million in 2021 and 1.6 billion in 2050. As populations age, the demand for healthcare and social support has surged, especially for those with conditions like dementia, a major cause of dependency and disability in older adults. Specialized care is now needed to meet these growing needs. Hence the call to escalate and strengthen Geriatrics Medicine.

A longer life brings with it opportunities, not only for older people and their families, but also for societies as a whole. Additional years provide the chance to pursue new activities such as further education, a new career or pursuing a long neglected passion. Older people also contribute in many ways to their families and communities. Yet the extent of these opportunities and contributions depends heavily on one factor: health. Older adults are an asset to communities through contributing to the local economy, taking community leadership roles, contributing skills, experience and expertise in a variety of ways, volunteering, offering care of grandchildren, taking part in democratic processes, being active community members, caring for others, making and creating, being active consumers and having full, active lives.

Each year on 1st October, people across the world mark United Nations International Day of Older People to raise awareness of opportunities and challenges faced by ageing populations, and to mobilize the wider community to address difficulties faced by older people. This year’s celebration will bring together experts to discuss policies, legislation, and practices that strengthen care and support systems for older persons. It will highlight the urgent need to expand training and educational opportunities in geriatrics and gerontology, address the global shortage of care workers, and recognize the diverse contributions of caregivers. In societies with aging populations, it becomes imperative to adjust to the increasing number of elderly individuals who possess a diverse range of functional capacities. The capability to carry out essential functions and partake in everyday activities is influenced not solely by an individual’s inherent capacity but also by the social and physical environments in which they reside. Supportive environments play a pivotal role in assisting older individuals to maintain their activity levels and independence as they progress in age. We all have a part to play in making our communities and neighbourhoods better places to age, and in celebrating and enabling the contributions of older people.

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