By Daniel Mahadzir and Elena Sandalova – World Economic Forum –
In light of the Global Risks Report recently published by the World Economic Forum, the challenge of an ageing population has never been more pressing. The population of adults aged 65 and older is growing, and their average age is also rising (see infographic below).
The Global Healthspan Summit in Riyadh highlighted the preservation of quality of life as an indicator of progress in longevity. Healthspan – the years lived in good health – begins in early life, with childhood nutrition serving as the foundation. Lifespan without healthspan can result in prolonged periods of ill health, disability and increased healthcare costs – burdens that are already weighing heavily on global economies.
