The global population aged 60 and over is projected to double from 1.06 billion (13.5%) in 2020 to 2.13 billion (22.0%) by 2050, raising significant concerns about the impact of aging. In Southeast Asia, the number of older adults is expected to rise from 77.4 million in 2020 to 173.3 million (22.0%) by 2050, marking one of the fastest demographic transitions globally.
This rapid aging trend is increasing growing pressure on healthcare systems, pension schemes, and workforce productivity, presenting financial and social challenges for both families and governments. But it is also an invitation for more inclusive societies, in which older people remain active participants of their communities.
In response, the ASEAN Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation (ACAI), established in 2020 with the government of Thailand as its secretariat, has led efforts to improve the well-being of older individuals across the region. ACAI serves as a regional hub, promoting active aging through evidence-based strategies, innovative research, and strengthened regional cooperation.
On 24 - 25 February 2025, ACAI and the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) co-hosted a consultative meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, bringing together key stakeholders, including ACAI Board members, the ASEAN Secretariat, the World Health Organization (WHO), UN agencies, academic and research institutions, non-governmental organizations, and civil society groups. The meeting gathered stakeholders to share insights on aging-related initiatives and collaborate on developing ACAI's first Five-Year Strategic Plan (2025–2030). This strategic roadmap aims to strengthen regional collaboration and ensure a resilient and sustainable future for the aging population in ASEAN countries.
Dr. Jos Vandelaer, WHO Representative to Thailand, delivered a message from Dr. Ailan Li (WHO Assistant Director-General, Universal Health Coverage, Healthier Populations) and Dr. Bruce Aylward (WHO Assistant Director-General, Universal Health Coverage, Life Course) from the WHO Headquarters, congratulating the ACAI for this milestone meeting and appreciating the ASEAN Member States for advancing the ageing agenda.
“With 4.5 billion people globally lacking access to essential health services and 2 billion people facing financial hardship due to health costs, we know that older people are often those that are left behind. WHO is working with Member States to accelerate Universal Health Coverage and strengthening and supporting the health and care workforce to serve the health needs of older people. Together, we can support countries in implementing policies and interventions that not only extend life expectancy but more importantly add health, quality and meaning to those additional years.”
With WHO being the secretariat to the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021-2030), the progress in the last 3 years was presented by Dr Olivia Nieveras, Medical Officer in the WHO Thailand Country office. She reported substantial progress in developing policies, strategies, and frameworks in support of healthy ageing; but there is a need for political will to further increase resources to implement the action areas as well as collect data on health and specific needs of older persons.
Moreover, Dr. Mikiko Kanda, Technical Lead on Healthy Ageing from WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific (WPRO) highlighted the implications of population aging and the shift from disease-oriented health systems to one emphasizing disease prevention, health promotion, and enabling environments.
WHO looks forward to deepening the collaboration with ACAI and ASEAN Member States on advancing quality integrated care for older people through Universal Health Coverage, including actions to support accessibility to quality long term care, scale age-friendly cities and communities, and change the narrative on age and ageing.
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The two-day event, which included the ACAI Consultative Meeting on the 5-Year Strategic Plan and the 13th Meeting of the ACAI Governing Board & Partners, aims to identify key activities for the next five years to foster a healthy aging society in ASEAN. It also focused on discussing and strengthening cooperation between ACAI and its partners.
The ASEAN Center for Active Ageing and Innovation (ACAI) is a regional institution established to address the challenges and opportunities of population aging in Southeast Asia. Based in Bangkok, Thailand, ACAI serves as a hub for policy coordination, research, and knowledge sharing on aging-related issues across ASEAN member states. The center focuses on promoting active aging, developing innovative solutions for elderly care, and fostering collaboration between governments, academic institutions, and stakeholders to ensure the well-being of older adults in the region. Visit the page: ASEAN Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation (ACAI) - ASEAN Main Portal