Elderly, Health of the

Abstract

Advances in medicine, sanitation, and industry over the past two centuries have produced significant improvements in global health and longevity. Many citizens of Western countries can now expect to live into their eighth or ninth decade, possibly even longer. However, while most older people enjoy good health, those who do not can suffer marked morbidity, placing significant demands on their health care systems, families, and societies. In this entry, we summarize the current trends in health as we age, addressing two major areas of concern – mental health and non‐communicable diseases. We go on to discuss the challenges of caring for an older population, including medical and social care provision, and combating discrimination against this vulnerable group. Finally we look to the future and emphasize the importance of proactive national policymaking in anticipating health demands, nurturing informal care provision by families, and promoting healthier lifestyle choices.