GERIATRICS IN LEBANON - THE BEGINNING

In Lebanon, it is estimated that 5.4 percent of the population is abov e sixty-five years of age. This percentage is expected to increase wit h improvement of the health care delivery in the country. The Lebanese health care system and the role of the American University of Beirut is discussed. Lebanon, like other developing countries, needs to defin e the policies and programs that will reduce the burden of aging popul ations on the society and its economy. There is a need to ensure the a vailability of health and social services for older persons and promot e their continuing participation in a socially and economically produc tive life. The morbidity burden of the geriatric population can quickl y overwhelm fragile and underfinanced health infrastructures which are unable to meet fully the prevention and treatment needs of a younger population with relatively low-cost, easy-to-prevent, easy-to-treat il lnesses.