Less well-off people tend to live in more harmful environments where they are more likely to be exposed to higher levels of indoor air pollution and to the risk of diseases such as diarrhoea and respiratory infections. Social isolation, because of widowhood or divorce for example, has adverse effects on health. Playing a part in family life, and being a member of a community or religious organisation have beneficial effects on health, improve a person's self-worth and enable older people to make a greater contribution to society. For older people living in poverty, access to adequate nutrition is often in jeopardy. Malnutrition is still one of the major contributors to disease and disability in the developing world.
Older people are particularly vulnerable.
Studies in the developing world suggest that older women, for example, are likely to deprive themselves of food in favour of the young in times of shortage. Although the individual may not have control over early life experiences and other factors such as poverty or low education, actions taken during the remaining life course greatly affect health in later life. Information about healthy life styles needs to be promoted, including the importance of a balanced, healthy diet, adequate exercise, the avoidance of smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. In addition, policy decisions to encourage healthy, active ageing must include the creation of supportive social and environmental conditions throughout life. Equity, provision of efficient basic services and participation by all in society are essential concepts if the opportunities and potential of a rapidly ageing world are to be realised.