Healthy longevity refers to maintaining good physical, cognitive, and social functioning
throughout one’s lifespan, enabling individuals to lead fulfilling lives across all stages of aging.

The Goals of Healthy Longevity are:

1. Reduce Avoidable Death and Disability from NCDs: Control NCDs through preventive health measures and lifestyle interventions.
2. Reduce Poverty and Gender Inequality: Support inclusive, equitable access to healthcare and resources for all.
3. Improve Well-Being: Enhance the quality of life through mental, physical, and social health support.
4. Boost Productivity, Choice, and Equity in Work: Promote policies that support aging individuals in the workforce and ensure fair opportunities.

As populations age worldwide, the need for strategies to ensure healthy aging has become increasingly urgent. By 2050, one in three people globally will be over 60, with countries like Jamaica bearing the impact of this demographic shift. In Jamaica, where 17% of the population is currently aged 60 or older, it’s projected that by 2050, a quarter of the population will fall within this age group. Currently, 7% of Jamaicans over 60 need assistance with daily activities, indicating a growing demand for long-term care services.

This changing demographic landscape—marked by lower birth rates and an aging population—poses profound implications for social services, employment, and national well- being. Contributing to the aging population’s health challenges are high levels of tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and rising obesity rates which have accelerated the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as the leading cause of death. NCDs are responsible for over 70% of deaths globally, and Jamaica is no exception. Investing in the health and well-being of the working-age population, especially through early and effective NCD control, is therefore essential to building a resilient, healthy society for future generations.

Approach to Healthy Longevity:

Achieving healthy longevity requires a life-course approach that supports individuals at every stage—from maternal and child health to support for older adults. This means addressing NCD risks through lifestyle interventions, promoting regular screenings, and ensuring timely treatment. By prioritizing physical, mental, and social well-being at each stage, individuals are more likely to experience a life of minimal chronic illness, with only a brief period of illness preceding the natural end of life.

For Jamaica, this demographic shift presents both challenges and opportunities for public health, social equity, and economic development. Achieving healthy longevity demands a comprehensive approach involving society and government at all levels. The Chief Medical Officer of Jamaica has said that the MOHW is “moving towards increasing access to services not only for persons living with chronic disease but to encourage through exposure to life stage needs to be proactive and to be engage in activities that will promote productive active ageing”. Professor Eldemire-Shearer has posited that population ageing is associated with a “ broader range of challenges and opportunities beyond health, social and financial” to include ageing and its effects on” the size and composition of the workforce”. She emphasized that focus has shifted from older persons needing care to meeting the needs of active functional older persons and how to prepare for an ageing society. At the 61 st Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) Directing Council the Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. The Honorable Christopher Tufton emphasized Jamaica’s commitment to long-term care for its elderly.

In addressing this issue, it will take a whole of society- whole of government response to address the various components which are necessary. The Medical Association Jamaica as a valuable stakeholder in Health is bring Health Longevity to the forefront by highlighting it at our symposium 2025.

Objectives of the Symposium are to:

1. Assess Jamaica’s Preparedness for an Aging Population: Examine current policies and capacities to handle demographic shifts and increasing healthcare demands.
2. Evaluate NCD Prevention and Management: Identify effective strategies for preventing and managing NCDs to improve longevity outcomes.
3. Develop an Action Plan to Enhance Healthy Longevity: Formulate actionable steps to foster a society that supports health and well-being across all ages.
4. Evaluate the current data surrounding maternal and infant health and nutrition and the associated long-term health and wellbeing.
5. Suggest policies and programmes to ensure that Jamaica is on a path of healthy longevity.

Through collaboration and commitment, this symposium will aim to pave the path toward a future where Jamaicans can enjoy longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.