ABSTRACT
References 346
Demographic ageing has been much more rapid in all regions than first anticipated with a sharp increase in the numbers and proportion of older people in developing countries (World Population Prospects, 2003). In 2005, 20 per cent of the population in high income countries (HICs) was aged over 60 years, and this is predicted to increase to 32 per cent by 2050. This proportion in low and middle income countries (LMICs) was just 8 per cent in 2005 but is expected to rise to 20 per cent by 2050. Chronic non-communicable diseases, which were under-prioritized in the public health agenda for years, are now assuming a greater significance in LMICs.
