The risk of poverty rises sharply as we get older. Data from the World Health Organization on Cyprus highlight the vulnerable economic situation faced by older adults, particularly those aged 75 and older.
Among those under 65, 10.9% of the population does not have sufficient income to meet their needs, a percentage that rises to 25.4% among those aged 65 to 74 and soars to 43.6% among those aged 75 and older.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
A deserter from 1974 receives… a prisoner-of-war allowance
The increased need for support is demonstrated by the fact that more than half of people aged 65 and older report health problems that limit their activities. Nevertheless, the report notes the absence of a policy for a comprehensive assessment of health and social care needs in our country, as well as the lack of national programs for informal caregivers.
“The problems of long-term care are global in nature. But they are particularly significant in Cyprus because people do not have the financial means to access healthcare—and thankfully, we have the General Healthcare System (GeSY). Fortunately, however, through the collaboration of KYSOA and OSAC, we will be submitting a comprehensive memorandum to the President of the Republic in the coming days.”
Dimos Antoniou – President of the Senior Citizens’ Observatory
20.5% of people aged 60 and older report hearing problems, and 11.9% report vision problems.
Among the most common causes that limit healthy life years are back and neck pain, diabetes, and falls.
Watch the report by Rafaella Stavrinou:
