Preventing risk factors in the face of population aging.

In the province of Matanzas, the challenges for professionals and managers in the health sector to achieve greater life expectancy and quality of life are increasing.

In view of the aging population, the challenges facing health professionals and managers in the province of Matanzas are increasing in order to achieve greater life expectancy and quality of life.

According to studies consulted, it is expected that by 2050 Cuba will be among the most aged countries in the world, since population estimates point to a proportion of people over 60 years of age that will exceed the average of all countries considered as developed.
To date, life expectancy at birth ranges between 75 and 78 years, and efforts are being made to reach a figure close to 80.

In Matanzas, the main causes of mortality are heart disease, malignant tumors, cerebrovascular diseases and chronic diseases of the lower respiratory tract.

In view of this reality, it is necessary to increase risk factor promotion and prevention activities to prevent these pathologies and minimize their disabilities, to have intersectoral actions that promote healthy lifestyles, and to increase the specialization of medical care, especially in primary health care.

Written by Dunia Bermúdez.