Ageing
Healthy ageing is defined as developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables well-being in later years. Functional ability is influenced by the intrinsic capacity of an individual's physical and mental capacities, his/her living environment – which includes physical, social, and policy aspects – and how these elements interact with each other.
In the context of the WHO European Region’s extended longevity, acknowledging the diverse capacities and life experiences of older adults, while addressing persistent inequities tied to socioeconomic status, gender, ethnicity and other social determinants of health, are paramount to foster healthy ageing. Population ageing brings both challenges and opportunities, demanding enhanced health care, a skilled health and care workforce, age-friendly environments, and a collective effort to combat ageism across all sectors.
Investing in these initiatives unlocks the manifold contributions of older individuals – whether within families; local communities, as volunteers or in other roles; or society at large. Crucially, this should be coupled with ensuring health systems are equipped to meet the needs of rapidly ageing populations, especially in primary care settings encompassing preventive, curative, rehabilitative, assistive, and palliative care, alongside sustainable long-term care.
The population aged 60 and older is rapidly growing in the WHO European Region. In 2021, there were 215 million; by 2030, it is projected to be 247 million, and by 2050, over 300 million. This demographic shift impacts health care, urban planning, housing and transport, requiring age-friendly adaptations to enable people of all ages to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
Throughout the WHO European Region, more people are living longer than ever before. However, these added years do not always equate to good health. Healthy ageing means enhancing both longevity and well-being. To achieve this, collaboration is key among governments, international bodies, civil society, researchers, businesses, and media to support well-being, no matter where we live.
WHO collaborates with countries, UN agencies, and various stakeholders to promote healthy ageing and recognize the contributions of older individuals, who benefit communities across the Region with their wisdom and experience.
Aligned with the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing, WHO/Europe follows 5 action areas:
- prioritizing preventive measures for physical, social, and mental well-being while ensuring the availability of support and services throughout life;
- creating enabling environments, including age-friendly cities and communities, to empower older individuals in community engagement;
- ensuring accessible, affordable, and high-quality long-term care and support for older people, their caregivers and families, within an integrated continuum of care;
- effectively implementing policies to leverage the potential of older persons; and
- enhancing data collection and research to strengthen policies and programmes aimed at promoting healthy ageing.
