India, Oct 02 : South-East Asian countries need to strengthen healthcare and social-support systems as the region’s older population is expected to expand significantly over the coming decades, the World Health Organization said on October 1.
Marking the International Day of Older Persons, WHO highlighted the need to redesign health and social systems so that people can remain healthier, more independent and active for longer periods of their lives.
According to the WHO South-East Asia Regional Office, the proportion of people aged 60 years and above in the region is projected to rise from 11.3 per cent in 2024 to 20.9 per cent by 2050, representing a near doubling of the older population’s share.
The organisation said demographic change is creating a need to look beyond simply increasing life expectancy. Many older people spend part of their later years living with chronic illness, disability or care requirements, creating additional demands on healthcare and social-care systems.
WHO said the regional health-span gap at age 60 is 4.6 years, referring to the period in which people may live with chronic disease or poor health.
The organisation called for healthy ageing to be treated as a responsibility extending beyond the health sector. Housing, social protection, local government, finance and other areas can influence whether older people are able to live safely and independently.
Integrated healthcare is a key part of this approach. Older people frequently require support for multiple health conditions and may need medical treatment alongside rehabilitation, social assistance, long-term care and access to assistive products.
WHO’s healthy ageing agenda includes efforts to combat ageism, create age-friendly environments, strengthen integrated care and expand access to long-term care.
The organisation noted that countries including Thailand, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, India and Timor-Leste have introduced policies or programmes covering areas such as integrated care, long-term services and age-friendly approaches.
These efforts form part of the broader UN Decade of Healthy Ageing 2021–2030, which seeks to improve the lives of older people, their families and communities.
WHO has developed the Integrated Care for Older People approach to help countries strengthen person-centred health and social services. The organisation has also worked on combating ageism and improving data systems used to monitor healthy ageing.
The WHO South-East Asia Regional Strategy on Healthy Ageing 2024–2030 provides a framework for countries in the region. Its priorities include addressing age-based discrimination, creating supportive environments, improving integrated care and ensuring access to long-term care.
The Colombo Declaration on Healthy Ageing through Strengthened Primary Health Care, adopted in 2025, also recognised that universal health coverage cannot be achieved without responding to the health and care requirements of older people.
However, WHO said several barriers continue to affect progress. Funding for healthy ageing and long-term care can be inadequate or fragmented, while shortages of trained health and care workers can limit the delivery of services.
Caregivers also require greater support, training and social protection, according to the organisation.
Access to assistive devices and digital technologies remains uneven across the region. For some older people, limited digital access can make it more difficult to use health and social services that increasingly rely on online systems.
WHO also pointed to gaps in age disaggregated data, which can make it harder for governments to understand the specific needs of older populations and plan appropriate services.
The organisation said older people should have a meaningful role in decisions affecting their lives. Their participation can help policymakers better understand barriers related to healthcare, housing, mobility, social protection and community participation.
Combating ageism is another important component of the regional response. WHO said discriminatory attitudes and practices related to age need to be addressed through policies, programmes and legislation.
The organisation is also promoting age-friendly communities through its global network, which supports efforts to make local environments more inclusive and accessible to older residents.
WHO said stronger cooperation between healthcare providers, social services, communities, civil society, academic institutions and the private sector will be necessary as populations age.
Primary healthcare is expected to remain an important foundation because older people often require continuing support for chronic conditions rather than only episodic treatment during acute illness.
The organisation also stressed the importance of long-term care. As families become smaller and societies become more urbanised, traditional arrangements for caring for older relatives may face additional pressures.
Strengthening professional and community-based care can help address these changing needs while supporting older people who require assistance with daily activities.
WHO said investment, better data, innovation and accountability will be necessary to translate healthy-ageing commitments into practical improvements.
The organisation’s message on October 1 was therefore centred on a broader understanding of longevity: living longer should be accompanied by opportunities to remain healthy, independent and socially connected.
For South-East Asia, the projected rise in the older population makes preparation increasingly important. Health systems will need to coordinate with social protection, housing, local administration and other public services to respond to changing demographic needs.
WHO said its work with member states will continue to support the development and implementation of approaches that improve integrated healthcare and long-term support for older people.
As the region moves toward a larger older population, the organisation’s focus is on ensuring that additional years of life are accompanied by better health, accessible care and supportive communities.