One of the great success stories of modern times is the increasing number of people living into old age. This triumph is also one of our greatest challenges. Just to see.
The rapid ageing of the global population is one of the major global demographic trends, driven by the reduction of fertility and increasing longevity. The global share of people aged 60 years or over increased from 9.2 per cent in 1990 to 11.7 per cent in 2013, and will continue to grow as a proportion of the world population, reaching 21.1 per cent by 2050. The number of people aged 60 years or over is expected to more than double, from 841 million people in 2013 to more than 2 billion in 2050 (United Nations, 2013). In most regions and countries, the population aged 60 or more is growing faster than younger adults and children (United Nations, 2013), and this has important consequences for the family, the labour market, and health and social care systems.
At Mercer’s Institute for Successful Ageing, the work we do rests on four pillars:
- Clinical Care – Ensures excellence in care and an integrated patient-centred pathway by locating clinical facilities in one area.
- Research & Development – Fosters a vibrant environment that produces high-quality research that is rapidly translated into effective clinical care, pioneering technologies, and age-friendly policies.
- Education & Training – Promotes professional training, care-giver support, and empowers older adults to advocate for their health and well-being.
- Creative Life Centre – Advances creativity and wellbeing, enabling adults to express themselves through art, music, literature and drama, while also providing intergenerational programmes that advance skills.