Abstract
People are living longer. While differences in life expectancy still exist between countries, older adults make up a group of growing numbers, both relative and absolute, all around the world. Recent projections suggest that 2.1 billion people will be over the age of 60 in 2050, which is already twice the number of 2022 [1]. Aging, as a process, is associated with a variety of biological changes and their buildup, which lead to increased risk for various diseases and death. Beyond the biological, aging is also associated with a variety of social and psychological changes such as retirement, the death of friends and partners, taking on a less active role in society, and so on. An aging population also delivers new challenges to health and social systems given a rise in multimorbidity and increased healthcare utilization. However, aging can also be an opportunity, as the availability of more time to spare can provide older adults with a chance to pursue new activities often neglected while part of the active workforce or due to familial obligations. To live full and engaged lives far into older age, older adults need the support from their political, medical, and social environments. Barriers need to be removed and opportunities created to facilitate healthy activities that promote good health and well-being in older age [1].
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Grabovac, I., Smith, L. (2023). Concluding Summary. In: Smith, L., Grabovac, I. (eds) Sexual Behaviour and Health in Older Adults. Practical Issues in Geriatrics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-21029-7_14
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