Decade of Healthy Ageing begins

In February 2020 the World Health Organisation (WHO) launched the Decade of Healthy Ageing. It’s a new way of looking at ageing that will help shape the future of aged care.

n August the Decade of Healthy Ageing initiative was endorsed by the 73rd World Health Assembly and the International Federation on Ageing (IFA).I Healthy Ageing is seen as the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables wellbeing in older age. Functional ability is about having the capabilities that enable all people to be and do what they have reason to value.

This international movement aims to bring together governments, professionals, academia, the media and society for 10 years of collaboration to improve the lives of older people. Led by WHO, the initiative will assist rapidly ageing populations around the world to live their lives with dignity and equality in a healthy environment.

According to WHO there are already more than one billion people aged 60 or older in the world; with most living in low-to-middle income countries. Many older people don’t have access to the basic resources that allow them to live an engaged life in their older years and participate fully in society. International Federation on Ageing (IFA) Secretary General Dr Jane Barratt said WHO should be congratulated for taking action

to formally recognise the need for such an initiative, allowing people to grow old in an inclusive and valued environment.

“The four action areas in the Decade of Healthy Ageing proposal reflect the most challenging and urgent needs of not only our time but for future generations of older people,” Dr Barratt said. “The way we think, feel and act – prejudice, stereotyping and discrimination based on age is a lens through which we can all view how to develop communities that foster abilities; connect integrated care and health services; and provide systems of long-term care. “Connecting voices across sectors and disciplines at local, national, regional and global levels will lead to sustained and committed action to positively change social norms and attitudes that benefit all ages.”

For more information on Decade of Healthy Ageing please visit who.int/ageing/decadeof-healthy-ageing