BRIEFS: Development

Good, bad news in un report

The average life span in Panama is 75 years, according to a report by the United Nations Development Program.

While this is good news, the report also painted a bleak picture for people in the country who live a long time. It stated that the average Panamanian spends nine of those 75 years debilitated by either disease or disability. The statistics were complied for the UN by the World Health Organization.

The challenge facing the country, according to the report, isn't increasing the average age of life expectancy, but rather ensuring that their lives are “healthy and active.”

And, as people live longer, the country's medical system has to be better equipped to deal with the wide range of diseases that afflict senior citizens.

Health Minister Rosario Turner said her entity has changed its approach to policies for disease prevention.

In addition to the massive campaigns aimed at stopping smoking and encouraging people to be checked for diseases such as breast cancer, the ministry has also strengthened its human resources.

The training has focused on making employees better equipped to offer advice on how to maintain healthy lifestyles.