Aging men-Challenges ahead

The prolongation of life expectancy and the drastic reduction of fertility rate are the primary cause of an agingworld. It is projected that the elderly (above 65) will increase within the next 25 years by 82% , whereas the new bornonly by 3% . Despite the enormous medical progress during the past few decades, the last years of life are still accom-panied by increasing ill health and disability. The ability to maintain active and independent living for as long as possi-ble is a crucial factor for aging in health and dignity. Therefore, the promotion of healthy aging and the prevention ofdisability in men, must assume a central role in medical research and medical practice as well as in the formulation ofnational health and social policies. Effective programs promoting health and aging will ensure a more efficient use ofhealth and social services and improve the quality of life in older persons by enabling them to remain independent andproductive. The most important and drastic gender differences in agin