The Burden of Disease in Mexican Older Adults: Premature Mortality Challenging a Limited-Resource Health System

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the burden of disease and disability in older persons in Mexico from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2016 study data. Methods: Analysis of the Mexican data from the GBD 2016 study is presented by state, sex, and stratified into four age groups: 60 to 69, 70 to 79, 80 to 89, and 90+ years. Results: The majority of disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) attributable to disorders in persons 60+ in Mexico were due to premature mortality (68%). Diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, and chronic kidney disease were the main causes of DALYs. With progressing age, sense organ diseases, dementias, and falls climbed to the top causes of years lived with disability (YLDs) in both sexes. Discussion: Most of the burden of disease in older Mexicans is due to premature mortality, underlining the need to strengthen the health system to respond better to health care needs of older persons with non-communicable diseases. This analysis provides information for the development of national health policies.