Each year, the International Day of Older Persons is marked on the 1st of October, allowing us an opportunity to reflect on a population who may not always be included in society but constitute a large part of our Region. This year’s theme “Ageing with Dignity: The importance of strengthening care and support systems for older persons worldwide” brings us awareness to a critical aspect that affect this growing population.
The WHO South-East Asia Region is home to over a quarter of the world’s population. In 2020, 12.6% of the population were aged 60 years or above, and this is expected to increase to 14.9% in 2030, and to 23.6% in 2050. The growing number of older persons in our region requires a robust response. Many older persons face chronic illnesses, functional impairments, and increasing dependency. Approximately two-thirds of people who achieve old age will probably need care and support from others to perform activities of daily living, such as eating, moving around, and bathing, at least at some point in their longevity pathway.
In the South-East Asia Region, older persons often face barriers to accessing adequate health and long-term care services, especially in rural areas. The need to bolster infrastructure, health and long-term care workforce, and the continuum of long-term care is clear. This is also the time to promote healthy ageing initiatives and preventive health programs that can reduce the burden of age-related diseases and disabilities.
The demand and ability of the national systems to provide long-term care and support to older people vary significantly across the region due to differences in economic, cultural, and kinship systems, which influence care practices and policy needs. While family remains a key provider of care and support, there is a shift in roles among family, community, and the government in the care of older people. In this Region, women predominantly provide care to older people, highlighting the need for gender-focused support measures.
In the South-East Asia Region, commitments and actions to enhance care and support systems for older people, ensuring they age with dignity and respect, are more critical than ever. Strengthening care systems, both formal and informal, is key to ensuring that the ageing population can continue to live with dignity. Ageing with dignity entails more than just healthcare; it involves enabling older persons to live independent, fulfilling lives. Respecting their autonomy, providing access to health and care services, ensuring social protection, and maintaining their inclusion in society are all vital to this goal. Ageing with dignity also means not only addressing physical and mental health needs but also combating the isolation, neglect, and age-based discrimination that many older individuals face.
Governments, NGOs, and international organizations, including WHO, are working together to advance these goals. Strengthening policies that integrate health and social care, while ensuring that older persons are included in the decision-making process, can build the resilience needed to care for ageing populations now and in the future.
Countries must invest in accessible health and long-term care that addresses the unique needs of older people, from preventative care to palliative services. Additionally, it is essential to build capacity among caregivers, families, and community health workers, who form the backbone of older people's care.
Governments and stakeholders in the South-East Asia Region must act now to create integrated, comprehensive care and support systems that can sustain healthy ageing. Alongside healthcare, strong social support systems are needed to empower older persons. Social security schemes, such as pensions and access to affordable services, must be inclusive of all, especially in rural and underserved areas. Community-based programs that encourage active participation in social and economic life can prevent isolation and foster a sense of belonging. Supporting family caregivers and creating more accessible living environments can further enhance the dignity of older persons.
By prioritizing care and support for older persons, we not only honor their contributions to society but also create a future where everyone can age with dignity.
Let us take this opportunity to advocate for strengthening policies and systems that extend survival, enhance the quality of life for older persons, and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone, regardless of age.