PREPARING FOR AN OLDER POPULATION

In just 10 years, the number of older persons (people over 60) will surpass 1 billion people and by 2050, the older generation will be larger than the under-15 population, according to a new report released on International Day of Older Persons by UNFPA and HelpAge International.

Ageing in the Twenty-first Century: A Celebration and a Challenge stresses the importance of countries being prepared and putting policies and practices in place to address the challenges this will pose, particularly around health care, retirement and living arrangements.

“People everywhere must age with dignity and security, enjoying life through the full realisation of all human rights and fundamental freedoms,” said Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, UNFPA’s Executive Director at the report’s launch in Tokyo.

Access the report here