AGING AND GERIATRIC CARE: A GLOBAL IMPERATIVE TOWARDS UNIVERSAL HEALTH COVERAGE

Abstract

The global population of older people is projected to surpass the number of children under 5 years old and adolescents by 2050, with developing countries housing the majority of older individuals. This demographic shift necessitates adjustments in global health systems to cater to the increasing demand for age-appropriate care. Gerontology, as an interdisciplinary field, encompasses the study of biological, social, and medical aspects of aging. Anti-aging, a distinct discipline, focuses on understanding and combatting age-related ailments. This review provides insights into the distinctive aspects of anti-aging research, highlights current priority issues in health promotion and anti-aging measures, and explores implications of crises on aging research and healthcare. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need for collaboration among interdisciplinary research networks, integration of science and technology, and the involvement of key stakeholders to ensure universal health coverage. Future research should address the multidimensional aspects of healthy aging, reflect research priorities and preferences of older individuals, and promote health equity. This collective effort will contribute to the development of innovative solutions and facilitate cross-learning among countries to enhance the well-being of aging populations globally.