Across the WHO South-East Asia Region, population ageing is accelerating at an unprecedented pace. By 2050, the number of older persons will more than double, with approximately 20% aged 60 years or older.
This year, we mark the International Day of Older Persons with the theme “Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-Being, Our Rights”. It is a recognition and appreciation of the vital role older people play as leaders, advocates, and agents of resilience.
This imminent demographic transformation brings immense opportunities and some challenges. In South-East Asia, social and cultural norms mean that older people not only contribute to the workforce but also share their wisdom and experience as mentors, innovators, and community leaders. They are often vital caregivers within families and communities. At the same time, our health and social systems must be prepared for the shift.
While our region has made progress with policies and strategies, common challenges remain. Sustainable financing is still insufficient, and shortages of trained workforce limit systems from responding effectively. Support for both families and professional caregivers is often inadequate, and access to essential assistive products and technologies remains unequal. In many places, age-disaggregated data is lacking, impacting the development of policy and the monitoring of progress.
Globally, the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030) provides a framework for all people to live long, healthy, and meaningful lives; the WHO 14th General Programme of Work 2025–2028 complements it and positions healthy ageing as a priority.
Building on these frameworks, our WHO South-East Asia Regional Strategy for Healthy Ageing 2024–2030 provides a tailored roadmap for the region to meet the needs of ageing populations. The strategic guidance is organized into four priority areas: combating ageism, creating age-friendly environments, integrated care for older people, and long-term care for those who require it.
It is important to remember that these frameworks and strategies are more than systems and policies—they are about people: ensuring that every older person can live with dignity, security, and purpose. Through these frameworks, we can safeguard the rights of older people and lay the foundation for more equitable and compassionate societies for all.
Recognizing the urgency to prioritize the needs of older persons in the Region, a Ministerial Round Table on “Healthy Ageing through Strengthened Primary Health Care” is being convened during the upcoming Seventy-eighth Session of the WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia, to be held within two weeks of the International Day of Older Persons. Health Ministers will deliberate and commit to collective action to ensure quality health and well-being, care and dignity for all older people.
On the International Day of Older Persons, join me in reaffirming our commitment to healthy ageing. Together, we can build inclusive, resilient, and sustainable health and care systems—systems that allow people to age with dignity, security, and purpose for generations to come.