Global health and public health initiatives play a critical role in ensuring the well-being of the geriatric population worldwide. As life expectancy increases, the number of older adults is growing rapidly, presenting unique challenges and opportunities for healthcare systems.
Some of these unique challenges range from age-related diseases to the impacts of climate change and emerging infectious diseases like COVID-19 and potential pandemics like Avian Flu. In this blog we are taking an in-depth look at these global health challenges, how they impact the elderly, and strategies for improving the health of older adults.
Current Global Health Challenges
Disease and environmental pollution have significant damaging effects on the physiological function and mental health of older people.
-An aging immune system: The natural aging process results in a gradual degradation of the immune system which is defined as immunosenescence. With this natural occurrence in elderly people, they lose their capacity to effectively fight infections and to develop immunity to viral infections.
-The effect of social isolation on mental health: It is well documented from the COVID-19 pandemic had the detrimental effects of social isolation on older adults compared to younger adults. These outcomes include the development of depression, anxiety, and loneliness, which can ultimately result in functional decline, disability, and mortality.
-Wildfires: As of this writing, unprecedented wildfires continue to burn in Southern California. These fires pose a significant threat to humans and have an immense impact on the health of older adults. Inhaling particulate matter from wildfires can exacerbate existing respiratory conditions and increase cardiovascular mortality rates in older people. Additionally, wildfires can also have a negative psychological impact on older adults due to the stress of rapid evacuations, loss of residences, and reduced social interactions.
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Strategies for improving the health of older adults
Global health initiatives are an effective means to overcome the health challenges affecting geriatric populations around the world.
-Universal Healthcare: To offset the estimate that by 2050, 80% of the global elderly population will reside in developing nations, it is paramount to find solutions, such as universal healthcare to ensure healthcare equity for the elderly population.
-Addressing Social Determinants of Health: Public health policies should focus on improving social determinants of health, such as access to affordable healthcare, promoting healthy aging through physical activity and nutrition programs, and fostering social connections to combat isolation.
-Immunization campaigns: Disparities continue to exist among countries in their efforts to vaccinate older adults against COVID-19. This creates inadequacies in protection causing great concern for the reemergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. The continuation of global immunization campaigns led by the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control is necessary to provide funding and education to close this gap.
Partnerships: The Global Health Security Agenda is an international effort comprised of the United States and 70 other countries. They are engaged in worldwide efforts to improve prevention measures, detection methods, and the response to emerging infectious disease threats.
Conclusion
The recent global health challenges associated with COVID-19, emergence of future pandemic pathogens, and climate change have brought to light the vulnerabilities that exist among the elderly population worldwide. There is a continued need for global cooperation to improve access to quality healthcare and to establish partnerships to combat infectious diseases and the detrimental effects of climate change.
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References
Wen Zheng et al., [2024], “Global landscape of COVID-19 vaccination programs for older adults: a descriptive study,” Vol 5, pp. 1-9, www.thelancet.com/healthy-longevity
Maryam Farhang et al., [2024] “Effects of Anxiety, Stress and Perceived Social Support on Depression and Loneliness Among Older People During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Path Analysis,” The Journal of Health Care Organization, Provision, and Financing, Vol. 61, pp. 1-8, DOI: 10.1177/00469580241273187
Eskild Peterson et al., [2024], “Avian ‘Bird’ Flu – undue media panic or genuine concern for pandemic potential requiring global preparedness action?”, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijregi.2024.100367
Salah Al Awaidy et al., [2024], “How concerned should we be about the recent Avian Influenza Outbreaks?”, Oman Medical Journal, Vol. 39, No. 2: e604, DOI 10.5001/omj.2024.86
Mathew Prina et al., [2024], “Climate change and healthy ageing: An assessment of the impact of climate hazards on older people.” J Glob Health, Vol. 14, pp. 1-17, DOI: 10.7189/jogh.14.04101
Andy Haines et al., [2024}, “Strengthening primary health care in a changing climate,” Vol. 404, pp. 1620-1622, www.thelancet.com
Shristi Singh et al., [2023], “Aging and Geriatric Care: A Global Imperative Towards Universal Health Coverage,” Anti-Aging Eastern Europe, Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 76-81
World Health Organization, [2023], “Global Health Achievements 2023,” who.int/news-room/spotlight/global-health-achievements-2023
Centers for Disease Control, [2024] “Global Health Security,” https://www.cdc.gov/global-health/topics-programs/global-health-security.html#
