Why pneumonia, cancer and hypertension are sending older people to early grave
Communicable diseases such as pneumonia, tuberculosis and respiratory infections are also among the top 10 causes of death in this population group, according to the latest data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics.
What you need to know:
- Between 2019 and 2023, pneumonia, cancer, hypertension and cardiovascular disease accounted for 23,837 deaths among older adults, with pneumonia being the deadliest, claiming 7,878 lives in 2021.
Ageing, lifestyle changes, limited access to healthcare and socio-economic challenges have contributed heavily to the rising mortality rate among Kenya's elderly population, raising concerns about the state of healthcare and the overall well-being of older adults.
Latest data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) showed that pneumonia, cancer, hypertension and cardiovascular disease have alternated as the top two causes of death among people aged 60 and above over the past five years.
The Kenya Vital Statistics report showed that between 2019 and 2023, these four diseases accounted for 23,837 deaths among older adults, with pneumonia being the deadliest, claiming 7,878 lives in 2021. Cancer was the leading cause of death in 2019, claiming 3,203 lives. In 2020, hypertension topped the list with 3,615 deaths, while in 2022 and 2023, cardiopulmonary and cardiorespiratory arrest, as well as cardiovascular disease, caused a total of 9,141 deaths among the elderly.
"This age group is particularly vulnerable to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), highlighting the urgent need to strengthen health systems to meet their health needs. Communicable diseases such as pneumonia, tuberculosis and respiratory infections are also among the top 10 causes of death in this population group," the report said.
Dr James Mwangi, a geriatrician in Nairobi, attributed the high prevalence of these diseases to lifestyle changes, delayed medical intervention and inadequate health infrastructure. He stressed that pneumonia remains a major concern because of its high mortality rate among older people, who often suffer from weakened immune systems and underlying health conditions, adding that many older people do not receive vaccinations that could prevent pneumonia, increasing their susceptibility to serious respiratory infections.
"As people age, their immune systems weaken, making them more susceptible to chronic diseases and infections. Cancer and cardiovascular disease tend to develop silently over time, so by the time symptoms become severe enough for one to seek medical attention, these conditions are often at an advanced stage. High blood pressure, a common problem among older adults, increases the risk of stroke and heart attack, both of which are major causes of death," he explained.
Dr Mwangi noted that many elderly patients seek medical care too late, leading to higher mortality rates. "Most of these diseases can be managed if detected early, but many older Kenyans either cannot afford regular check-ups or do not prioritise them until complications arise," he said.
He also pointed out that the rise in hypertension and cardiovascular disease is due to changes in diet and lifestyle. "Traditional diets were rich in natural foods, but now we see an increase in the consumption of processed and high-fat foods, leading to obesity, diabetes and hypertension."
Limited access to healthcare is a major challenge, especially for older people in rural areas. Many older Kenyans do not have health insurance, making routine check-ups and long-term treatments unaffordable. Public health facilities are often underfunded and ill-equipped to diagnose and treat chronic diseases at an early stage. As a result, many conditions such as cancer, hypertension and heart disease go undetected until they reach critical stages.
Dr Mwangi noted that socio-economic factors exacerbate the problem. Many older Kenyans depend on their families for financial support, but as the cost of living rises, healthcare often becomes a lower priority.
"Social isolation, especially for older people living alone or who have lost their spouses, can lead to health neglect, poor nutrition and lack of medical attention. Mental health problems such as depression and stress also weaken the body's ability to fight disease, leading to higher mortality rates," he added.
Dr Mwangi said that to tackle this crisis, a comprehensive approach including prioritising preventive healthcare through regular screening for cancer, hypertension and cholesterol to ensure early detection and timely intervention are crucial.
"Public health campaigns must focus on educating people about the importance of proper nutrition, physical activity and stress management to reduce the risk of chronic diseases later in life. Expanding access to the Social Health Insurance Fund and providing subsidies for healthcare for the elderly can help make treatment more affordable. In addition, the government should invest in more geriatric specialists and improve healthcare infrastructure in rural areas to ensure better medical care for the elderly," he said.
