Learn from other countries on how to take care of the elderly

Eighty per cent of those over 65 years will live in current low or middle-income countries. [iStockphoto]

The global population is ageing. It is estimated that by 2050, older people will constitute more than one-fifth of the world’s population. In the populace statistics prediction, the proportion of world’s population over 65 years will double, the number of people worldwide aged over 80 will quadruple to 400 million and for the first time in history, there will be more people over the age of 65 years than under the age of 14 years.

Eighty per cent of those over 65 years will live in current low or middle-income countries. Hence, the greatest increase will be in Africa. Recent data shows that the median age in Kenya is 19 years so by 2050, our nation will be approaching a mass retirement. But is our healthcare system prepared for this demographic transition to guarantee a lifetime of quality life and dignity?