70 is not the new 60

But it could be, according to Dr John Beard, Director of the Department of Ageing and Life Course at WHO, the World Health Organization. With advances in medicine helping more people to live longer lives, the number of people over the age of 60 is expected to double by 2050.

WHO released the World report on ageing and health 2015 last fall for the International Day of Older Persons. It finds that there is very little evidence that the added years of life are being experienced in better health than was the case for previous generations at the same age.

Those experiencing both longer and healthier lives are likely to have come from more advantaged segments of society. However, those in poorer countries as well as those with the fewest resources to call on in old age are likely to have the poorest health and the greatest need, according to Dr Beard.

You’ll find fact sheets, charts, interviews, and much more, including a link to the report on WHO’s Ageing and life-course web page.