Global health. The current scenario and future perspectives

245 As individuals age, they often aspire to maintain good health, reside in familiar surroundings and cherish meaningful connections with loved ones to celebrate life’s milestones. This vision of aging involves a desire for health, happiness and fulfillment. The concept of “active aging“, developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), is a guiding principle. It embodies a notion of aging that is healthy, successful and positive and encompasses a wide array of experiences, contributions and societal engagements across various domains, including social, economic, spiritual and civic aspects. It emphasizes not only physical and occupational activity but also the maintenance of a high quality of life and continued contributions to society. The pillars of “active aging– health, participation and security – are considered essential. To ensure a lengthy and high-quality life, individuals believe in maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in socially enriching interactions that allow for community involvement and regularly participating in physical activity. Consistency in these practices is deemed essential, as taking preventive measures is often easier than dealing with health issues after they arise. Participation in societal activities is also seen as crucial. It helps maintain self-esteem and a sense of value. The belief in continuing to contribute actively and productively to society at all ages is prevalent, as this can be particularly challenging after retirement. Maintaining relevance and building new relationships, especially for men, is deemed important to prevent feelings of social exclusion and introversion. Comprehensive protection for older adults, including access to adequate housing, healthcare and pension coverage, is another fundamental need. This becomes even more critical in cases of illness or physical limitations. The emergence of gerontolescence as a new stage in human development offers an opportunity for visionary leadership. Societies that recognize and embrace the impact of the baby boomer generation on longevity stand to benefit greatly. The current and future gerontolescents are aging with unprecedented levels of health, wealth, talents and skills, along with a collective history that enables them to respond effectively to the challenges of population aging. References