The main public health concern for the older population is the increasing occurrence of chronic diseases (CDs), already accounting for 80% of the global burden of disease. CDs linked to ageing – heart disease, stroke, cancer and dementia – are beginning to be recognised as public health priorities for the region. While cancer and heart disease contribute mainly to mortality, much of the burden of other CDs (stroke, dementia and mental disorders) arises due to years lived with disability.
Older people have specific needs that are often forgotten in the development of national policies. Primary care services fail to meet the needs of older persons with CDs because:
COPE developed a multi-component complex intervention package for use by non-specialist health workers targeting frail, dependent older people and their caregivers.
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