Author
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ROSENBERG, IRWIN - Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging At Tufts University |
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Submitted to: Journal of Nutrition Health and Aging
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 7/24/2013 Publication Date: 11/8/2013 Citation: Rosenberg, I.H. 2013. Nutrition and the biology of human ageing: Proceedings of the ninth nestle international nutrition symposium. Journal of Nutrition Health and Aging. 17(8):706. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: This 9th Nestle Nutrition Symposium on “Nutrition and the Biology of Human Ageing” is presented at a time of unprecedented demographic change worldwide. The UN population division forecasts that the number of people living over age 65 will rise to almost 1 billion (12% percent of the world’s population) by 2030 representing an increase from 265 million in 1980. This demographic wave will be felt even more profoundly in developing countries as 8 of 10 older persons will live in less developed regions by 2050. The over 80 group is projected, importantly to be the fastest growing subset in this trend. Advances in science have increased both lifespan and health span, the quality of that lifespan, but at the same time age-related diseases such as diabetes, cardio- and cerebrovascular disease, and dementia, are increasing as the population ages. No country, developing or developed, can afford to ignore the stark implications of this global demographic wave with its effects on quality of life and cost of health care. It is therefore imperative to face and understand not only the epidemiology but also the biology of this phenomenon so as to institute approaches, which can mitigate the effects of unhealthy ageing and promote a healthier and more independent elderly population. |
