ABSTRACT
We have noted earlier the dramatic increase in life expectancy through the twentieth century and the many millions of older people who are grandparents. There is now considerable literature naming advances in medicine as one factor responsible for increased life expectancy, including the shift in types of illness or disease due to advances in medicine from communicable diseases to chronic, noncommunicable diseases and disability (World Health Organization, 2011). Even in low-income countries, the majority of older people die from chronic illnesses such as cardiac disease, cancer and diabetes, rather than infectious diseases. One major health consequence of a longer lifespan, placing considerable demands on the health care system and on long-term care, is the increase in prevalence of dementia. In the USA, the National Institute on Aging (2011) reports that by 2050 well over 100 million people in low-and middle-income countries will suffer from dementia; in high-income countries this number is projected to be lower (about 30 million). WHO note that the risk of dementia rises sharply with age, with an estimated 25-30 per cent of people aged 85 years or older showing some evidence of dementia. Another important health and well-being issue for the elderly is elder abuse. Although data on the extent of mistreatment of elders are hard to find, WHO estimates about 4-6 per cent of older people in developed countries are abused each month. This abuse can occur in the home or in institutions such as hospitals,
nursing homes and long-term care facilities for the aged and can lead to serious physical injuries and long-term psychological problems.
