28/06/06 - The state of ageing and health in Europe

International Longevity Centre-UK and The Merck Company Foundation have published The State of Ageing and Health in Europe which says that Europeans are living longer and better lives, but significant inequalities exist throughout the region with more vulnerable groups, such as ethnic minorities and the economically disadvantaged, being at greater risk of ill-health. The report finds that excess disability and mortality in these “forgotten groups” pose a significant public health problem. For example, poor older persons in Europe have a 30 percent to 65 percent higher risk of almost all chronic diseases, including stroke, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Furthermore, older women have a greater risk of depression and disability than older men. (ILC-UK press release)