A healthy old age: realistic or futile goal?

摘要: Based on a presentation from the Millennium Festival of Medicine The undreamed improvements in average life expectancy 20th century have thrust ageing to forefront attention, and more old people are alive today than at any time history. People over 60 currently constitute fifth UK population will one third by 2030 (figure). Though increasing is hailed some as greatest achievements century, common reaction doom-laden prediction health social budgets being drained caring for dependent people. Indeed argued that directing resources away can be justified.1 Sensible debate about impact changing age structure has been hampered media coverage edged with hysteria. Of course, we need consider how care growing number people, but this aspect dominated discussion virtual exclusion search strategies which might improve their overall health. This negative tenor fuelled partly misunderstanding age. Certainly older general poorer younger due higher rates disease The incidence heart disease, example, increases age, does not mean itself cause disease. Nor it inevitable crucial distinction between effects alone do reinforced minds both public professionals. Finally laying rest pervasive misconception all ills “just your age” would represent …