Extending a person’s healthy lifespan or reducing mortality is no longer just a dream. Scientific research has also proven that effective methods exist to slow down aging. In Saudi Arabia, the average life expectancy of a citizen in the 1960s was only 46 years, which has now increased to 79 years.
This change in Saudi Arabia has occurred due to improved medical facilities, disease prevention, and improvements in health standards. The country has also made significant improvements in the health and nutrition sectors to improve the lives of its citizens and for their longevity. There are 5 key reasons behind working in this direction:
1. Reducing the cost of health services.
2. Promoting healthy and balanced eating habits.
3. Modernizing the old health system.
4. Increasing production and economic activities.
5. Promoting social unity.
These reasons also work because when people are less sick, the cost of treatment is also reduced. Improving treatment with modern technology. Proper food is essential for good health. Healthy people can work longer. Healthy people stay connected to the elderly society and contribute. These measures will not only save billions of dollars, but people will also help the country’s economy by staying healthy for a long time.
**Impact on Standard of Living and Economy**
When the average lifespan increases, people can work for more years. This improves their income and standard of living. Along with this, new industries such as new technologies, biological medicines, healthcare, insurance and elderly care also develop. Daily physical activity, a balanced and nutritious diet, good sleep, stress reduction and social support and facilities for the elderly are also important.
**Global Thinking and Saudi Arabia’s Initiatives**
The definition of old age is changing worldwide. Earlier, the age of 60 years was considered old, now this limit is reaching up to 70-80 years. Saudi Arabia has created an organization named Hivolution in this direction, which researches to understand, stop and promote healthy old age.
Under Vision 2030, the Saudi government has started promoting health, environment, food and water security, as well as new technologies and industries. Its aim is to give Saudi citizens a better, longer and healthier life. The current goal of the Saudi government is to increase the life expectancy of the country’s citizens to 80 years by the year 2030.
