As the world's population ages, the World Health Organization is committed to assisting countries in implementing the necessary changes to ensure an integrated continuum of care for older adults.
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| The World Health Organization warns against ageist stereotypes and calls for greater access to quality healthcare for older people, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Image Courtesy: WHO |
Geneva, Switzerland - October 1, 2024:
On the UN International Day of Older Persons 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a pressing call for countries to overhaul their care and support systems for older people. As the world population ages rapidly, existing systems are ill-equipped to meet the growing needs of older individuals.
"We all require support at some point in our lives, but this need becomes more pronounced as we age," stated Dr Anshu Banerjee, Director of the Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing. "Unfortunately, current care and support systems are not adequately prepared to cater to the needs of older people."
Dr Banerjee emphasized the urgent need for a paradigm shift in how we approach care for older adults. "The UN Decade of Healthy Ageing underscores the necessity of a radical transformation in our approach to valuing and delivering care to foster healthy aging," he said. "WHO is committed to supporting countries that are dedicated to making this shift."
The International Day of Older Persons, celebrated annually on October 1, aims to honor the contributions of older people to society and highlight the challenges they face. This day has gained significance as the global population ages. By 2030, it is projected that one in six people worldwide will be aged 60 or over, and 80% of older people will reside in low- and middle-income countries by 2050.
This year's theme, "Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide," emphasizes the crucial role of countries in providing comprehensive health and long-term care services to ensure the well-being of older individuals.
WHO's latest analyses reveal that people aged 60 and above continue to experience unmet healthcare needs, regardless of their country's income level. Approximately two in three older people require long-term support and care for daily living activities. Ageist stereotypes contribute to the undertreatment of older individuals, preventing them from receiving the necessary care.
Despite these pressing needs, access to high-quality, affordable, and equitable care remains limited. The UN Decade of Healthy Ageing progress report highlights the shortcomings in current systems, such as insufficient financial and political resources for integrated care and long-term care, limited training for informal caregivers, and inadequate inclusion of long-term care in national competency frameworks.
The UN Decade of Healthy Ageing calls upon countries to transform their care and support systems by delivering person-centered, integrated care that responds to the needs of older people and ensures access to long-term care. WHO recommends countries provide an integrated continuum of care that is person-centered, integrates health and social care, cares for caregivers, and holds governments accountable for providing care.
As the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing reaches its halfway point in 2025, WHO remains committed to supporting countries in implementing these recommendations. Transforming care and support systems not only benefits older people but also improves the overall health and well-being of people of all ages, making it a worthwhile investment for everyone.