Ageing and health (Decision)

DECISION WPR/RC70(3) AGEING AND HEALTH The Regional Committee, having discussed issues related to ageing and health during the panel discussion; noting that the increase in the proportion of people aged over 65 years, historically growing faster in the Western Pacific Region, is a trend that speaks to the success of health and development programmes but also presents new challenges and opportunities for countries and areas; noting further that based on Member State experiences, adequate preparation for an ageing population requires changes in health systems and societies that can take decades to effect; and recognizing that early action in preparation for ageing populations is an opportunity to transform health systems today, DECIDES to request the Regional Director to support Member States in preparing for and addressing the needs of ageing populations, including development of a regional action plan, in line with global mandates – notably the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the WHO Global Strategy and Action Plan on Ageing and Health 2016–2030. (Sixth meeting, 9 October 2019)