Middle age 'starts at 60' claims media

Conclusion This study is an interesting analysis of population data, which shows how looking at figures from a different perspective can change our view. We are used to hearing about "ageing Britain" and how the increasing numbers of older people could be a drain on the country's resources. This study considers whether our definitions of old age are too rigid and need to be revisited. In the paper, the researchers focus on results for Germany, but they have done calculations for 40 European countries, including the UK. This shows that the proportion of people in the UK aged 65 or over, given expected improvements in life expectancy, would rise from 17.2% in 2013 to 24.9% in 2050. However, the proportion in the last 15 years of their life would rise from 10.9% in 2013 to 13.7%. That still represents a large and increased proportion of the population considered old. While it’s true that, on average, people are living longer, healthier lives than in the past, the study can only make predictions based on assumptions that may or may not turn out to be correct. The paper did not go into those assumptions, so we don't know whether, for example, they factored in the possible impact of being unable to treat infections because of rising antibiotic resistance, or the increased numbers of people with diabetes due to obesity. Studies like these make for interesting headlines and give governments a new way of thinking about how to plan for our ageing population. However, the...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Lifestyle/exercise Obesity Source Type: news