November, 2023
In a milestone for the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021-2030), WHO and UN partners have released the first progress report: UN Decade of Healthy Ageing progress report, shedding light on efforts to enhance the lives of older individuals, particularly amid challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. The report, based on a survey of 136 countries, reveals notable progress in areas such as legislation against ageism and support for older people’s access to assistive products.
However, the report emphasizes the need for intensified efforts, as less than a third of countries report having adequate resources for the Decade’s key areas of action. Notably, there’s a call for increased political commitment, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Challenges persist in ensuring that older people are central to the Decade’s initiatives, with disparities in policies and programs for healthy ageing.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, underscores the importance of more political commitment, increased investment, better-trained health workers, and meaningful engagement of older individuals. WHO, serving as the Decade’s secretariat, plans to collaborate with partners to address these challenges, with the next progress report slated for 2026 and a final impact report in 2029.
For detailed insights, refer to the official WHO link.