Health of the elderly | News | In focus | World Health Day, 7 April 2012

World Health Day, 7 April 2012

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World Health Day 2012 focuses on how good health can add life to years, enabling older men and women to not only live longer, but also to extend their active involvement in all levels of society.

This year the theme was "Ageing and Health". With the number of older people worldwide rapidly increasing, it is expected that older people will represent 22% of the global population (about 2 billion) by the year 2050. A large number of people will live to see their grandchildren grow up.

World Health Day is celebrated on 7 April to mark the founding of WHO. Each year, the Organization selects a key global health issue and organizes international, regional and local events on the Day and throughout the year to highlight the selected area.

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World Health Day 2012

 

 

 

 

Statistics and figures

In the Eastern Mediterranean Region it is projected that by 2025, older persons will make up nearly 8.7% of the population, and by 2050 nearly 15%, of the population.

Regional Health Observatory