Almost three-quarters of chronic disease deaths occur in low and middle-income countries, where universal health coverage or access to health care services can be limited.
Chronic diseases, or non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as they are known, include:
NCDs are often associated with ageing and tend to be life-long illnesses, but they are caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors; poverty, pollution, poor diet, tobacco, and alcohol use can all add to the risks. By addressing these risk factors, older people can reduce their likelihood of getting ill, and for those who do develop such illnesses early detection and timely treatment can make all the difference.
However, there are many barriers preventing the poorest and most marginalised older people around the world from accessing health information and good quality healthcare. Through our work, we seek to address this inequality and help older people advocate for better and more inclusive healthcare.
Learn more about the reasons why older people in poorer areas struggle to get the specialist healthcare they need.
