The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for increased support for healthy aging initiatives as the number of people aged 60 or older in the Southeast Asia Region is expected to reach 23.6 percent by 2050, up from 12.6 percent in 2024.
During a recent three-day meeting of health experts and officials in New Delhi, India, attendees discussed measures to improve health and care services for older persons and a regional strategy on healthy aging. This was stated by WHO officials during a recent three-day meeting of health experts and officials in New Delhi, India.
“Older individuals, when equipped with good health and well-being, can play active roles in the workforce, contribute to the economy, and pass on invaluable wisdom and experience to younger generations,” said Ms Saima Wazed, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia.
Countries have been making efforts as part of the United Nations Decade of Healthy Aging (2021–2030), which aims to foster longer and healthier lives. The decade focuses on combating ageism, creating age-friendly environments, providing integrated care, and ensuring access to long-term care.
The meeting discussed system strengthening to deliver person-centered and responsive primary health services to older persons and strengthening and sustaining the capacity of health systems to deliver integrated health and care services.
