As we celebrated the vast diversity, strong unity and uplifting values that define the Commonwealth this Commonwealth Day, Monday 12 March, we are delighted to launch the results of our Ageing in the Commonwealth research project.
Findings show even in the poorest and slowest ageing Commonwealth countries, where a majority of deaths are still caused by communicable diseases, poor nutrition and childbirth, a large and growing proportion of the population is surviving to ages where elders are more likely to die from chronic non-communicable conditions than anything else. Thanks to improved healthcare systems, longevity is increasing in the Commonwealth, but many older people are experiencing increasing frailty and loneliness and may not necessarily be enjoying their extra years of life.
Despite the enormous diversity in population dynamics across Commonwealth countries, apart from Lesotho and Mozambique, the older population is set to grow more quickly than the total population.
CommonAge Chairman Andrew Larpent explains: “When we commissioned the research, we had two main aims: to explore the ways in which challenges for older people differ across the Commonwealth countries, and to look at the ways in which governments and societies are responding.”
“We want to highlight examples of good practice and innovation as well as the difficulties faced by different countries in policy implementation,” he continues. “The report will provide a baseline assessment of the status of older people and the support currently available to them from governments and non-state organisations across all 53 countries of the Commonwealth.”
The presentation of the research report will take place as part of the inaugural “Commonwealth Elders’ Forum”, 16-18 April 2018, at the Wokefield Park Conference Centre, Berkshire. This inaugural Forum is linked to the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, when the leaders of 53 independent member countries will meet to address key global challenges and agree how to work together for the welfare and common good of its 2.4 billion citizens.
This years’ Commonwealth Day theme is ‘Towards a Common Future’ and we are working for an all age friendly Commonwealth in which every citizen is valued, regardless of age.
To find out more about the report and to download your copy, click here.
The Ageing in the Commonwealth report has been generously supported by our Founding Members The Abbeyfield Society, Age International, Anchor and St Monica Trust
