Population ageing is one of the most profound demographic transformations of the 21st century and represents a major public health success driven by advances in medicine, public health, and socio-economic development. By 2050, the global population aged 60 years and above is projected to exceed 2.1 billion, with the most rapid increases occurring in low- and middle-income countries. However, gains in life expectancy have not been matched by equivalent improvements in healthy life expectancy, resulting in longer survival with chronic disease, disability, and functional decline. This manuscript examines the concept of healthy ageing through a public health lens, emphasizing the importance of functional ability, quality of life, and equity across the life course. Using the 6W framework, the paper explores why population ageing matters, what demographic and epidemiological transitions are occurring, who is affected, where interventions are most effective, when action is required, and how public health systems must respond. Key challenges, including multimorbidity, polypharmacy, disability, loneliness, and health system strain, are discussed alongside opportunities offered by primary health care, community-based interventions, digital health, and policy reform. The manuscript highlights the critical role of preparedness in transforming longevity into healthy ageing and underscores the need for integrated, life-course-oriented, and equity-focused public health strategies.

Background/Objectives: Telehealth (TH) and Telemedicine (TM) can significantly benefit individuals who live far from healthcare institutions and those with limited financial resources by improving access to essential health services. This review explores the attitudes and determinants affecting the use of TH and TM, focusing on the MENA region with insights from the global context. Methods: A narrative review was created using a compilation of scientific articles published between 2020 and 2025 from PubMed and Scopus. Studies were screened to be relevant with the determinants, attitudes or use of TH and TM. Forty one sources met the eligibility criteria and covered evidence from the MENA region with supporting background from global developments. Results: In the MENA region, although high perceived effectiveness is recorded, the use of TH and TM remains below optimal levels. The majority of the studies reviewed suggested that participants have positive attitudes towards TH and TM. Nevertheless, some studies suggest low awareness and limited utilization of available TH and TM services. Determinants affecting TH and TM included pandemic-based, socioeconomic, cultural, financial, health literacy, and infrastructure-based factors, and those relating to physician implementation. Disparities in utilization of these services were evident among individuals with low digital literacy, older individuals and low-income workers. Conclusions: TH and TM are observed to increase the availability and accessibility of preventative and treatment-based health services, especially in regions facing geographic limitations. The findings exhibit the disparities in institution and uptake of these services due to socioeconomic, geographic and cultural aspects. Interventions at the system level, supported by evidence such as multilingual digital platforms, investments in digital infrastructure and coverage in insurance, need to be implemented to ensure equitable utilization of these services in the MENA region.

Aim: This study aimed to find out predictors of chronic liver disease (CLD) in adults and evaluate key determinants that may influence healthy aging. Material and methods: A case-control study was conducted among adults who were receiving care at a tertiary care center. Demographics, lifestyle factors, and clinical variables like BMI were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square testing for association and logistic regression analysis to identify independent factors that predict CLD, p-value of <0.05 was used to identify significance for all information collected. Results: Significant links were found between CLD and several factors. Males were significantly more affected with CLD (78.5%, p < 0.001), making gender one of the factors that predict CLD. Similarly, age was a significant factor, with those aged 40-60 being the most affected (33%, p = 0.039). Abnormal BMI was strongly associated with CLD, found in 84.6% cases (p = 0.008). Alcohol consumption demonstrated a marked association with chronic liver disease (p < 0.001), with former and current alcohol use substantially more common among cases. After logistics regression analysis, male gender, abnormal BMI, and alcohol consumption are significant independent predictors of CLD. Conclusions: The study highlights gender (male), age (40-60), abnormal BMI and alcohol consumption as significant predictors of CLD in the studied population. These findings emphasize the urgent need for targeted screening and lifestyle-based preventive interventions, particularly focusing on metabolic health and weight management, to mitigate the rising burden of liver disease and promote healthy aging.

Aim: The primary aim of this study was to identify and analyze the socio-demographic determinants of constipation among elderly individuals (≥60 years) attending a tertiary care hospital in Ajman, United Arab Emirates, in order to address an important gap in regional geriatric gastrointestinal research. Material and methods: A record-based case–control study was conducted among patients aged 60 years and above attending a tertiary care hospital. The cases were elderly patients with documented constipation, while the controls were elderly patients without constipation, selected in a 1:2 ratio. Data were extracted using a structured and validated proforma. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression were performed to examine associations. Crude and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated, and a p-value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Constipation was more frequently observed among males and in specific age groups. Participants aged 60–69 years constituted the largest proportion of cases (78.8%), while those aged 70–79 years were more commonly represented among controls. A significant association was observed between age group and constipation (p<0.01). Male participants accounted for 71.3% of cases compared to 37.4% of controls (p<0.01). In adjusted analysis, male gender remained a strong predictor of constipation (AOR: 4.41; 95% CI: 2.40–8.11). Conclusions: Male gender and age group were key socio-demographic determinants of constipation among elderly patients in this tertiary care setting. These findings highlight the need for targeted screening, early recognition, and preventive strategies for constipation as part of routine geriatric care.

Aim: This research aims to assess the clinical and epidemiological profile of elderly patients reported to a tertiary care centre in Ajman, UAE. Material and methods: A retrospective cross-sectional review of electronic medical records was conducted for patients diagnosed with constipation between January 2020 and July 2025. Sociodemographic characteristics, anthropometric measures, functional status, lifestyle factors, comorbidities, gastrointestinal history, and treatment outcomes were extracted using a structured proforma. Descriptive statistics were applied. Results: Eighty elderly patients were included, predominantly male (71.3%) and aged 60–69 years (78.8%). Abnormal BMI was present in 76.3%. Chronic symptoms were common, with 52.5% reporting constipation ≥3 months and 47.5% >6 months. Low fluid intake (66.3%), low dietary fiber intake (67.5%), and sedentary lifestyle (62.5%) were highly prevalent. Cardiometabolic comorbidities were frequent, including hypertension (68.8%), diabetes mellitus (65.0%), and hypercholesterolemia (63.7%). Only 38.8% achieved good therapeutic response, while 61.3% had poor or partial improvement. Conclusions: Constipation in elderly patients at this tertiary center represents a persistent, multifactorial condition requiring comprehensive, individualized, and lifestyle-integrated management strategies to improve outcomes.

Aim: To describe the clinico-epidemiological profile, metabolic risk factors, and treatment outcomes of patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) at a tertiary care center in Ajman, UAE. Material and methods: 149 individuals with confirmed CLD were included in a descriptive five-year retrospective study. Descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) were utilized for analyzing demographic data, lifestyle variables, metabolic comorbidities, and clinical outcomes. Results: The male-to-female ratio in the cohort was 3.7:1, with a significant male preponderance (78.5%; n=117). In particular, most patients (91.3%) were under 60, with those under 40 making up the biggest group (46.3%; n=69). The Eastern Mediterranean Region was the place of origin for more than half of the participants (55.7%). In terms of lifestyle risk factors, 32.9% of respondents smoked, and 24.2% reported drinking alcohol (14.1% now, 10.1% previously). Although only 8.1% were classified as obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m²), 84.6% had abnormal BMI (overweight or obese). Fatty liver (41.6%), diabetes mellitus (38.9%), dyslipidaemia (37.6%), and hypertension (36.2%) were among the significant metabolic comorbidities. Nearly half (49.0%) of patients had incomplete or poor clinical outcomes to medications, whereas 51.0% had "good" results. Conclusions: This tertiary-care cohort found a predominance of economically productive males who were affected by CLD, who also exhibited a high prevalence of metabolic risk factors. Origins of obesity and diabetes have highlighted the regional influence of metabolic (MAD) liver disease. To optimise the outcome of patients who have these diseases, there is an urgent need for early screening and comprehensive management of metabolic risk factors.