The accelerated aging of the population is a worldwide phenomenon resulting from decreases in the birth rate and increased longevity largely due to improved health care. It has led to a striking shift in the population pyramid in most industrialised countries, with the lower-income countries rapidly following suit. It is estimated that some 16 of the world's population will be aged 65 or over by the year 2050, with the fastest growing segment being those aged 80 and older (1).
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