Conclusion

• an increase in life expectancy at birth to at least 67 years for men and 74 years for women in every country in the Region;

• a reduction by at least 25% in the differences in the life expectancy at birth among geographical areas and socio-economic groups and between the sexes; and

• an increase in the number of years people aged 65 and over live free from disability, and an improvement in the quality of their lives.

WHO believes the target can be achieved by implementing strategies that:

• encourage full and active participation of the elderly in community life;

• prolong the period of healthy ageing through lifestyle changes and supportive environments; and

• provide appropriate services and support to elderly people in need (WHO, 1991).

Based on the findings of this report, we would add another critical strategy:

• detect and treat diseases in their earliest stages when it is most effective and less costly.

The European Institute of Women’s Health is bringing this information to the attention of governments, health care professionals and men and women throughout Europe because there is still time to change attitudes and policies governing ageing, particularly as they affect women. The Institute has four main objectives in issuing this report:

• To make the health and well being of mid life and older women a priority for the European Commission and Member States of the European Union.

• To raise women’s awareness of their own health and of their role in education about healthy lifestyles, by providing information on the prevention of disease, risk factors, early detection and early treatment.

• To encourage women to become more involved in deciding policies that affect their health

• To present specific recommendations to the European Commission and Member States of The European Union for accomplishing these goals.

Normal old age is usually characterised by good health and independent function… The Scottish aphorism is that sick old people are sick because they are sick, not because they are old.

Richard W Besdine MD. In: Principles of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology