Elderly Situation in Libya : The Challenge

Elghblawi , Ebtisam

doi:10.5742/MEJAA.2013.101167

Article Details

Elderly Situation in Libya : The Challenge

Authors:

Elghblawi , Ebtisam

Publisher:

medi+WORLD International

Main Topics:

Social problems and services. associations

Journal:

Middle East Journal of Age and Ageing 2013 vol.10 Issue 1, pp.16-27

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

1/2013

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

20979

Frequency:

Bi-Monthly

eISSN:

14498677

pISSN:

18390102

DOI:

10.5742/MEJAA.2013.101167

Descriptors:

Abstract:

 The ageing of the population is an international trend, predicted to have extensive and noteworthy societal, financial and infrastructure implications. Old age and elderly are often associated with physical incapacity, functional limitations, biological deterioration, disabilities and psychological stressors namely bereavement and dependency. The UN has accorded policies on ageing and health (Gerontology) since the mid-1970s. Eight years later, the General Assembly agreed resolution 33/52 concerning the organization of the World Assembly on the Elderly, with a vision to the formulate an international plan for accomplishment on ageing which would call for the needs of elderly with a response to their demands. The world assembly on aging took place in Vienna in 1982 and was the first international instrument on ageing, and has addressed three main points to be considered and to be taken into consideration; namely the sustainability of expansion in a world where the population is increasing in age, the upholding of good health and well-being to an advanced age; and the establishment of a suitable and compassionate atmosphere for all age groups. Each of the three points should cover health and nutrition, the safeguarding of elderly consumers, housing and environment, the family, social welfare, income security and employment and training and education. Elderly people in Western Industrialised countries are becoming healthier and wealthier throughout early old age than ever before. The concept of a person’s life span to 100 years of age these days is less a science fiction tale and more of sustained efficiency, productivity, planning and long term prerequisites. Elderly on the other hand in the developing countries are still laid back. A condition of a transitional state in a lively progression namely frailty has been described to decide aging process speed, during which the total physiological reserves diminish and become less likely to be adequate for the preservation and restoration of the ageing body. It has been described to be a collective entity of clinical syndromes and a progressive latent phase. It is aging with a buildup, due to lack of physical exercise, insufficient nourishment, damaging environment, injuries, disease and drugs. In the Arab countries and developing world, the geriatric health care system is still lacking and therefore we need to act and aim for healthy aging to ensure a healthy future. Aging in the elderly: Chronological versus photoaging: Some skin changes can be seen exclusively in the elderly. Skin is a window to aging changes, a biological reality. There is a dearth of studies regarding the various chronological (intrinsic) aging and photoaging (extrinsic). The common skin changes due to chronological aging are thin skin, fine wrinkles, xerosis, and loss of elasticity. Photoaging changes such as dyspigmentation, freckles, thick skin, deep wrinkles, melasma, citrine skin, senile purpura, pseudostellate scar, acrokeratoelastoidosis marginalis, and lentigines. All vary however according to geography, ethnicity, gender and many other factors. Smoking and prolonged sun exposure is the risk factors aggravating photoaging. The most common dermatosis in elderly is pruritus; such pruritus is usually associated with xerosis, as well as contact dermatitis which is more common in males. Fungal infections are frequently seen in females. Seborrhoeic keratosis is the most common benign neoplasm more commonly seen in males. Also older individuals are more prone to develop as well as die from cutaneous melanoma. Cutaneous malignancies depend on location and ethnicity as well. Also the fact we cannot deny is the fact of comorbid medical conditions in many older individuals which burden the case due to the likelihood of multiple drugs intake and interactions. Conclusion: Chronological changes are more frequent in females than males, while photoaging was more frequent in males. The aim and prime objectives of this paper is to shed light on the elderly population trends in Libya, to examine the challenges faced in aging among Libyans, possible approaches for prevention of geriatric related problems and possibly advocating a policy framework and recommendations.

Article Details

Elderly Situation in Libya : The Challenge

Authors:

Elghblawi , Ebtisam

Publisher:

medi+WORLD International

Main Topics:

Social problems and services. associations

Journal:

Middle East Journal of Age and Ageing 2013 vol.10 Issue 1, pp.16-27

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

1/2013

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

20979

Frequency:

Bi-Monthly

eISSN:

14498677

pISSN:

18390102

DOI:

10.5742/MEJAA.2013.101167

Descriptors:

OLD AGE

AGED

CARE OF THE AGED

SOCIAL WELFARE

BIOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT

LIFE EXPECTANCY

HEALTH CENTRES

HEALTH SERVICES

LIBYA

Issues

Article Details

Authors: Elghblawi , Ebtisam

Publisher: medi+WORLD International

Main Topics: Social problems and services. associations

Journal: Middle East Journal of Age and Ageing 2013 vol.10 Issue 1, pp.16-27

Document Type: Article

Publication Date: 1/2013

Document Language: English

Document ID (Org No.): 20979

Frequency: Bi-Monthly

eISSN: 14498677

pISSN: 18390102

DOI: 10.5742/MEJAA.2013.101167

Descriptors:

Issues

Authors:

Elghblawi , Ebtisam

Publisher:

medi+WORLD International

Main Topics:

Social problems and services. associations

Journal:

Middle East Journal of Age and Ageing 2013 vol.10 Issue 1, pp.16-27

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

1/2013

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

20979

Frequency:

Bi-Monthly

eISSN:

14498677

pISSN:

18390102

DOI:

10.5742/MEJAA.2013.101167