Three new Working Papers have been published: “Policies for Healthy Ageing: An Overview”, “Measuring Healthcare Disparities” and “The Obesity Epidemic: Analysis of Past and Projected Future Trends in Selected OECD Countries.”
“Policies for Healthy Ageing: An Overview” stressed the importance of maintaining health in old age. This could in turn increase the potential labour force and supply of non-market services to others and delay the need for longer-term care for the elderly. The report promotes “active aging”: delaying retirement, increased community activities and better lifestyles. Health systems must also be adapted to the needs of the elderly, cost-effective prevention should be a priority. The paper also stresses that more research on this topic is needed.
“Measuring Healthcare Disparities” recognises the general policy adopted by European and worldwide countries of reducing the inequalities in health and providing equal access to healthcare based on need. It is thought that an evidence-based approach is needed to measure progress in this area.
“The Obesity Epidemic: Analysis of Past and Projected Future Trends in Selected OECD Countries” explores the main causes and patterns concerning the current obesity epidemic and highlights possible policies to deal with negative health effects it brings.
