Jeff James Caribbean Representative

HelpAge International

Demographic Transition

Epidemiological Transition

Ageing, Health and Wellness

Socio-economic Barriers to Healthy Ageing

What needs to be done

Countries Percentage of Population Aged 60 and Over

2000 2025 2050

Haiti

5.7 8.1 16.2

Belize

6.2 9.9 21.4

Guyana

7.0 15.2 31.0

Bahamas

7.9 15.6 23.3

Jamaica

9.6 14.5 24

Suriname 8.2 14.2 29

Trinidad and Tobago

9.6 20.0 33.3

Barbados 13.5 25.0 35.4

Age Group 2015 2035

60+ 13% 22%

70+ 6% 11%

Country Life Expectancy at age 60

Healthy Life Expectancy at age 60

Antigua and Barbuda 22 15.4

Bahamas 21 18.3

Barbados 23 16.2

Dominica 21 15.5

Grenada 19 13.5

Guyana 15 11.9

Haiti 17 8.3

Jamaica 21 16.3

St Kitts/Nevis 19 -

St Lucia 21 14.9

St Vincent and the Grenadines

21 14.5

Suriname 23 15.6

Trinidad and Tobago 18 13.3

As a result of the changes of the age structure in Caribbean populations

Chronic and degenerative diseases, not communicable diseases, have become the most common causes of death

2000: 67% of deaths from non-communicable diseases

2015: 75%

2030: 79%

(WHO, 2013)

Many NCDs result in Disabilities (vision loss, amputations, strokes, speech impairment)

Mental and neurological disorders

Lack of access to necessary specialist services

Some countries are more advanced than others in health care systems change

No emphasis on geriatric medicine and age-friendly services

Chronic illnesses/conditions common to OP Hypertension Diabetes Arthritis Dementia (Alzheimer’s) Cancer Cardiovascular diseases (heart

attacks and strokes) Vision loss

Poverty and Social Exclusion (Discrimination)

Linked to low income, lack of pension benefits, poor health and nutrition and low literacy

Inability to access health care which leaves health conditions untreated

Older People with limited income have a greater propensity to suffer from health problems

Are unable to purchase nutritious food and follow a proper diet

Lack of money leads to stress induced illness

Policies and Programmes

Strengthen prevention

Increase early detection

Ensure access to quality care

Primary health care approach – management of risk factors, coordination of care and medications

Inclusion of ageing issues into national health planning

Quality care- manner and location in which care is provided

Palliative care to increase quality of life, relieve pain and suffering

Public education and awareness raising

Training of professionals in geriatric medicine, gerontology, gerontological nursing, neurological disorders

Training of informal caregivers

. .