People are living longer, and with birth rates falling in most regions, the inevitable consequence is an ageing population. About 700 million people - more than 10 per cent of the world’s population - are 60 or older, and by 2050, that number is expected to rise to almost 2 billion - more than one fifth of the total. Advances in medical technology, greater awareness of health issues, improved nutritional standards, and the commitment of more resources to health care have all helped to dramatically increase the chances of surviving infancy and living longer.