High levels of untreated chronic health conditions (eg hypertension and diabetes), poverty and limited social protection are the key issues that limit opportunities for a healthy ageing society in Africa. This discussion will address these issues and take an ‘all-of-society’ approach – a strategy involving all sectors of society to address complex challenges and find solutions – with a focus on ensuring people’s well-being at all ages. 

Moderated by Professor Alan Stein, Senior Research Fellow in Global Health and Public Policy, the panel will discuss ongoing research on cognitive change and dementias, the effects of social grants, and other policy-related aspects on the potential for people to reach mid- and older ages.

Speakers

• Steve Tollman, founding director of the Medical Research Council / Wits University Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit
• Kathleen Kahn, Personal Professor in the School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, and Principal Scientist in the MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt).