In
the Caribbean, ageing is evident and its associated challenges are many. As we acknowledge these issues
we are cognisant that, among other factors, the poverty levels experienced by the elderly adversely affect their
health status, well
-
being and quality
of life.
This paper examines the link between poverty and health status,
within the context of ageing and the emergent threat of chronic non
-
communicable diseases, to present and
future elderly populations in Jamaica. From 7 percent in 1960 to 10.2 percen
t in 2001 and expectations of 22
percent elderly in the population by 2050 (STATIN, 2008), practical elder
-
focused polices in health, social
support and development are proposed to address the impact of poverty on one’s health status.