Healthcare for the Ageing Populations of Countries of Middle East and North Africa

Abstract

The aging of world population has become a major demographic trend in the twenty-first century. Improvements in health and longevity and decrease in human fertility have produced increased number and proportions of the older population in most parts of the world. Hence, population aging reflects a human success story of increased longevity. Similarly, with the continued improvement of the health care delivery system in the Middle Eastern and North Africa (MENA) region, the percentage of elderly population in this region has increased significantly and is expected to increase further. The people residing in the MENA region have several common cultural, religious, social, and economic characteristics. It is evident that chronic noncommunicable diseases are now the major cause of death among older people in both the countries of MENA region and rest of the world. Given this dynamics of population demography, the political, economic, and social leadership of the countries of MENA region would need to re-define and update the policies and programs that will reduce the burden of aging populations on the society and its economy. Such an improvement of the public health system should lead to enhancement in the availability of health and social services for older persons and promote their continuing participation in a socially and economically productive life. An exhaustive scientific research on aging in MENA countries, based upon detailed data will help this region of the world to better address the challenges and opportunities.