Researchers from the Higher Education Centers of Amazonas (UFAM) and the Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys point out that there was no significant reduction in the number of deaths among people aged 80 and over.

This research highlights that the increase in life expectancy, together with the reduction in birth rates, has altered the global age pyramid, which has a significant impact on the health of the long-lived population.

Chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death among the elderly.

In 2016, 63.9 percent of global deaths occurred in older people, with NCDs as the leading cause.

Although a preventable cause, protein-calorie malnutrition is still prevalent among the elderly.

“These results are surprising, as they indicate neglect in relation to a healthy lifestyle and health care,” explains Ronilson Ferreira, UFAM researcher and co-author of the study.

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