THE ELDERLY - THE SINGLE GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT OF MANKIND

The single greatest achievement of mankind is very likely the increase in life expectancy which has occurred in the twentieth century. Coupl ed with a decline in the birth rate worldwide, the mean age of most na tions is rapidly increasing and the old (especially the old-old, those 80 years of age and over) represent an increasing percentage of the d ependent population of the world. Although the ageing of the populatio n will have ramifications for almost all aspects of society, those con cerned with the provision of health care are especially affected. With chronic disease replacing acute illness, and costs of care mounting, health-care providers will require a comprehensive assessment of its o lder citizens so as to be able to provide cost-effective care across a ll sites, be that location a hospital or, more frequently, the home. T he development of such capabilities is already under way by the InterR AI group, an international group of investigators.