The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent a shared vision for a better, more sustainable, and equitable future, with priorities ranging from poverty alleviation to climate action, education, and health. Meanwhile, older people, especially those aged 65 years and over, form a critically important demographic group in the broader SDG framework. With the ageing population globally, addressing the needs of older persons is increasingly becoming key to leaving no one behind. The inclusion of specific issues concerning persons with disabilities into the SDG agenda is needed for inclusive and sustainable development for all. The complexity of addressing older adults in the SDGs is found in their unique social, economic, and health needs. Their requirements may be reflected, for example, in Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) | UN Office for Sustainable Development) due to the issues faced by most of them concerning chronic conditions like diabetes, arthritis, and cardiovascular diseases. For better health outcomes among older adults, access to affordable healthcare, medications, and preventive measures is important. In addition, most countries are not yet prepared with health systems that meet the complex and long-term needs associated with aging populations, resulting in disparities in care and wellness (Reis da Silva, 2024a).
On equal measure, Goal 10, Reduced Inequalities, has a particular meaning for older persons who are socially isolated and face economic insecurity and discrimination. Today, ageism remains one of the most widespread issues in many societies; older people are excluded from participating meaningfully in social, political, and economic life. Policies considered pro-economic growth and even a campaign for digital innovation may not take into consideration the obstacles that face older people in their enjoyment of results. In countries, pensions are inadequate, which throws older adults into poverty or onto family support; an issue that also exacerbates inequalities (Reis da Silva, 2024b).
The role of nursing is imperative in closing the gap between the SDGs and the needs of older adults. Nurses have a key role in the provision of health services for ageing populations, addressing both physical and psychosocial dimensions of ageing. This means nurses play a vital role in attaining Goal 3 by health promotion, chronic disease management, and teaching the patients. The nurses also meet Goal 10 through advocating for the rights of the older persons where they are always brought on board in issues concerning health (da Silva and Rodrigues, 2023).
Further, it places the nurse in community health positions as an influential agent for the reduction of inequalities through the promotion of social inclusion. As nurses work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams, with policymakers, and with communities, they will contribute to the global well-being of elders left behind on their effort to become a more sustainable and equitable world. At the top of all of this, using old age to face the SDG has also been helpful in accomplishing actual movement toward more inclusive futures for all generations.
References
Reis da Silva Tiago (2024) ip. Journal of Womens Healthcare & Midwifery Research. SRC/JWHMR-133.
da Silva TR (2024) . J Comm Med and Pub Health Rep 5(12):
da Silva TR (2024) s. J Comm Med and Pub Health Rep 5(12):
da Silva, T.H.R., Rodrigues, E.C.P. (2023). . In: Leal Filho, W., Azul, A.M., Brandli, L., Lange Salvia, A., Özuyar, P.G., Wall, T. (eds) Reduced Inequalities. Encyclopedia of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Springer, Cham.
