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　　HelpAge International is trying to raise awarenessthrough its Age Demands Action campaign.

　　Amleset Tewodros, the group’s Country Director forTanzania, said, “Age Demands Action is a campaignthat empowers older people to directly engage withtheir leaders – in this particular case with theMinistry of Health officials – to demand the access to services, the health services, to beappropriate, age friendly, accessible to older people.

　　HelpAge International says universal healthcare needed for millions of older peoplearound the world. Credit: HelpAge

　　So it gives older people an opportunity to present their demands and their requests to theirrelative policy and decision makers.”

　　She said millions of older people around the world are not getting the care they need fordiseases and chronic conditions.

　　“There are a number of noncommunicable diseases that are showing steady growth amongolder population groups -- for example, diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, prostatecancer and respiratory diseases.”

　　Amleset said that the current emphasis in healthcare is on communicable and childhooddiseases. She says healthcare programs usually do not have a lifelong healthy aging approach.Lack of respect and discrimination can also be barriers to adequate health care for olderpeople.

　　“Old age is associated with diseases,” she said, “So older people are not treated for the illnessesthey present, but rather they’re looked at –oh, you are old and resources are limited. Thoseshould be directed to young people, to children. So, these are some of the constraints that arelimiting older people’s access.”

　　In many developing countries, Amleset said, the emphasis is on building infrastructure andhospital admissions, which can be expensive. As a result, she said, less attention is paid tohealth promotion and prevention, especially for age-related diseases and conditions. What’smore, many healthcare workers may not be adequately trained to help older patients.

　　The HelpAge International official said universal healthcare would help solve many of theseproblems.

　　“Universal healthcare would help in the sense that it will provide equity in terms of access tohealthcare for all population groups. If healthcare has to be paid for a lot of these people wholack funds to pay for consultation – who lack funds for transport – who lack funds forpaying for the cost of drugs – are constrained by their inability to benefit or to access basichealthcare, which is fundamental for their survival.”

　　Amleset said that political will can overcome concerns about cost.

　　“We have experiences in a number of countries where we have seen positive progress, whichdid not require a huge investment. It is an issue of commitment and policy adjustment –making sure health policymakers, programmers, do take into account the specific needs, theunique needs, of older population groups and provide appropriate, affordable andaccessible healthcare. That is the message,” she said.

　　HelpAge International also warned the life expectancy in nearly 40 countries is either remainingstatic at 60 or has fallen. It said community healthcare is vital to ensure older people maintaina good quality of life.”

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