Accelerating Efforts for Healthy Ageing
Experts and officials from ministries of health, social welfare and empowerment from countries in the WHO South-East Asia Region gathered in New Delhi to discuss and strategise on enhancing health and care services for the elderly. The three-day meeting culminated in the formulation of a Regional Strategy on Healthy Ageing.
“Currently, 12.6% of our region’s population is aged 60 or above. By 2030, this figure will increase to nearly 14%, and by 2050, it will surge to an astonishing 23.6%. This demographic shift poses challenges but also offers opportunities. Older individuals, when in good health, can actively contribute to the workforce, economy, and impart wisdom to younger generations,” stated Saima Wazed, Regional Director of WHO South-East Asia.
Countries in the region are aligning their efforts with the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030), which supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This decade focuses on combating ageism, creating age-friendly environments, providing long-term and integrated care for older people (ICOPE).
Wazed highlighted the significant progress made since 2020, particularly in legislation and strategies to combat age-based discrimination. However, she emphasised the need for greater commitment and investment to overcome resource constraints.
“By learning from each other and exploring collaborative strategies, we can accelerate the implementation of the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing 2021-2030 in our region,” Wazed said.
The meeting addressed the importance of strengthening systems to deliver person-centred and responsive primary health services to older persons. Additionally, it focused on enhancing and sustaining the capacity of health systems to provide integrated healthcare services.
Participants deliberated on an evidence-based regional strategy for healthy ageing, a blueprint that WHO and member countries will collaborate on in the coming years. This strategy aligns with the WHO South-East Asia Regional Roadmap for Results and Resilience (2024-2029).
Previously, WHO and member countries developed the Regional Framework for Healthy Ageing (2018–2022) and training packages for healthcare providers on ICOPE.
By 2050, the region is expected to be home to 480 million older people. These numbers reflect the substantial strides made over the past three decades, including an eight-year increase in life expectancy, women’s empowerment, and reduced fertility rates, noted Wazed.
The concerted efforts discussed and planned at the meeting signify a robust commitment to ensuring healthier, longer lives for the aging population in the WHO South-East Asia Region.