Population-based research on aging with a life course approach

This publication is part of the series The Decade of Healthy Aging in the Americas, Situation and Challenges. It presents current knowledge on the health and well-being of older persons in the Americas during the United Nations Decade of Healthy Aging (2021–2030). With the aim of guiding actions to promote healthy aging, this report also highlights the relevance of the life course approach when addressing difficulties related to aging and old age in societies in Latin America and the Caribbean, and examines how research and evidence can contribute to this area. What is the life course approach? How can it help to ensure a comprehensive view of population aging? What role does it play in designing public policies for older persons? Examining these questions will encourage necessary discussion between government authorities, public institutions, and international organizations. The approach suggested here involves looking at the dynamic and unique aspects of individual and generational trajectories and invites us to go beyond partial studies defined by age, sex, gender, ethnicity, or territory. The Decade of Healthy Aging is the right time to focus actions on generating data, implementing public policy, and monitoring results–three key areas that will allow progress towards healthy aging throughout the life course.

Series

The Decade of Healthy Aging in the Americas: situation and challenges