GLOBAL HEALTH AGING

As we all know, in today’s world, people have longer life expectancies. In fact, 75% of the world’s population is older than 60 years of age (WHO). We live longer but the fact is the fact is that we are not aging very well. Once we reach a certain age, chronic diseases occur and hinder us from living a healthy long life; two out of three global deaths are due to chronic diseases such as heart disease or stroke. Due to the aging population, these chronic diseases and necessary expensive treatments put a financial burden on nations’ healthcare systems. As Dr. Lim states in the video, “the healthcare system in Singapore has worked well the last few decades, but was not built for such an aging population and a population that struggles with chronic diseases.”

Singapore has responded to the trend and puts emphasis on preventative health strategies rather than on just treating or curing the diseases. In Singapore, many fitness parks with workout stations have been built, which not only help the elderly to get active and stay physically healthy, but also to meet and get to know one another. With the increasing aging population possibly living alone, the social aspect of these fitness parks is important and improves the mental state of the elderly.

Public Health professionals can only hope that such preventative initiatives towards healthy living situations for the elderly, or better yet all age groups, will be continued not only in Asia. If we can persuade the entire family to get involved in these types of physical activities, we will have healthier children, adults, and elderly and can lessen the financial burden on the healthcare system. Other community organizations may get involved by offering exercise classes and promoting fitness among seniors.

In addition, local governments need to be convinced that building fitness parks has a positive impact not only on the elderly, but all residents’ physical and mental health. Governments overall need to rethink and focus on disease prevention, and not only treatment and cure.

What else can WE do to improve the health of our community members?

Martina Lesperance is a Health Educator and Screening Technician in El Paso, Texas.