With the continuous increase in global life expectancy, statistics from the World Health Organization show that today’s children are likely to be the first to live to 100 years. But living 100 healthy years – with vitality and mobility – and the challenge of equipping children for this was the theme of the second annual ‘Global Consumer Health Debate’.
Uta Kemmerich-Keil, CEO and President of Merck’s Consumer Health business, commented: “One thing is certain: the earlier we start working with children on how to take care of themselves, the better the long-term impacts will be. If this debate has helped strengthen health education for my own children here in Germany, as much as for children from Brazil to India, then we are improving in building a global future of healthy adults, capable of enjoying long life to the fullest.”
The event unveiled the results of the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) white paper: “Kids and Old Age”. This global study describes the current landscape: what, according to parents, educators, policymakers, research institutions, and development actors, can be done to better prepare children for a long and healthy life? Key findings include:
Today’s children will be less healthy than today’s adults over 65 when they reach that age.
Lifestyle-related issues are likely to contribute to chronic diseases later in life and are already causing health problems among children.
In the five countries surveyed, schools are targeting key perceived issues, such as lack of exercise, but are ignoring mental health issues.
There is little evidence that such school educational programs are managing to curb the rising rates of obesity and mental disorders.
The debate highlighted how our childhood lessons come from far beyond our homes and schools, such as community efforts and policy-level support. The main message is that by working together in complementary efforts, our children will be better equipped to become healthy adults and seniors of tomorrow.
The international panels included voices as diverse as government representatives from South Africa (Department of Basic Education), UN representatives for education priorities, children and health (UNICEF, Every Woman for Every Child/UN, UNAIDS), Brazilian and Indian community organizations (Inmed Brazil, Smile Foundation) with huge on-the-ground impacts, business consultants for the health industry (McKinsey), and the World Obesity Federation.