A three-day conference recently brought together experts and officials from health, social welfare and empowerment ministries across the WHO South-East Asia Region. The meeting aimed to discuss strategies for improving health and care services for the elderly, concluding with the formulation of a Regional Strategy for Healthy Ageing.
Role of exercise in healthy ageing
Exercise is crucial not only for its numerous health benefits but also as a key component in maintaining a healthy weight. Obesity in adults is linked to a higher risk of death, disability, and various diseases including type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. However, being excessively thin is also problematic. Older adults who are too thin may face weakened immune systems, higher chances of bone fractures and potential underlying health issues. Both obesity and being underweight can result in muscle mass loss that is leading to feelings of weakness and fatigue.
Preserving Muscle Function with Age
As people age, they often experience a decline in muscle function which can reduce their energy levels for daily activities and affect their productivity. Exercise plays a vital role in helping older adults maintain muscle mass. A 2019 study by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) found that moderate to vigorous physical activity significantly improves muscle function, irrespective of age. This indicates that regular exercise can mitigate the age-related decline in muscle function.
Eat Well: Making Smart Food Choices
- The Role of Diet in Health: Eating well is fundamental to preventing health issues and can even enhance brain function as you age. Healthy eating isn't solely about weight management but about overall well-being. With numerous diets available, choosing the right one can be challenging. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans offer recommendations for healthy eating across different life stages, emphasizing the inclusion of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins.
- Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet: Recent scientific studies have highlighted the benefits of the Mediterranean diet which focuses on fresh produce, whole grains and healthy fats with less emphasis on dairy and more on fish. A 2021 study involving over 21,000 participants found that those adhering closely to the Mediterranean diet had a significantly lower risk of sudden cardiac death.
Regular physical activity and smart dietary choices are crucial for maintaining health and longevity as we age. By incorporating more steps into your daily routine and following evidence-based dietary patterns, you can significantly enhance your quality of life and reduce the risk of various health issues.
Addressing the Demographic Shift
Saima Wazed, the Regional Director for WHO South-East Asia, highlighted the significant demographic changes occurring in the region. “Currently, 12.6% of our population is aged 60 or above. By 2030, this will rise to nearly 14% and by 2050 it is projected to reach an impressive 23.6%”, Wazed stated. This shift presents both challenges and opportunities. With proper health and well-being, older individuals can remain active in the workforce and contribute economically in various ways. They can even share their wisdom and experience with younger generations.
The United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing
Efforts to address these demographic changes are part of the broader United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021-2030) which aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals. This decade-long initiative focuses on several key areas:
Combating Ageism
One of the primary goals is to reduce age-related discrimination by ensuring that older individuals are treated with respect and dignity.
Creating Age-Friendly Environments
The initiative encourages the development of environments that are accessible and supportive for older people, promoting their ability to live independently.
Integrated Care (ICOPE)
Providing comprehensive and coordinated care is crucial. Integrated care models aim to address the complex health needs of older adults through a seamless continuum of services.
Ensuring Access to Long-Term Care
Access to long-term care is essential for those who need it, ensuring that older adults receive the support necessary for maintaining quality of life. The discussions and strategies formulated during the meeting highlight the importance of preparing for an ageing population. By focusing on healthy ageing, countries in the WHO South-East Asia Region can relate to the potential of their older populations by turning challenges into opportunities for economic and social development.
Advancing the United Nations' Decade of Healthy Ageing
- Aligning with Sustainable Development Goals: Countries worldwide are actively participating in the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021-2030). This initiative is in harmony with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and seeks to promote longer, healthier lives for people as they age. The Decade of Healthy Ageing focuses on several key areas: fighting ageism, creating age-friendly environments, providing integrated care (ICOPE) and ensuring access to long-term care.
- Progress and Challenges: Since 2020, significant progress has been reported, particularly in developing legislation and strategies to combat age-based discrimination. However, challenges persist, especially concerning resource limitations. These constraints highlight the necessity for increased commitment and investment to sustain and advance these efforts.
Learning and Collaboration
In a recent meeting, the Regional Director emphasized the importance of learning from each other and exploring collaborative strategies. This approach aims to accelerate the implementation of the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing across different regions. By sharing knowledge and best practices, countries can enhance their efforts to support healthy ageing.
Strengthening Health Systems
The meeting also focused on the need to strengthen health systems to provide person-centred and responsive primary health services to older adults. Additionally, it addressed the importance of sustaining and enhancing the health system's capacity to deliver integrated health and care services. By improving these systems, countries can ensure that older individuals receive the comprehensive care they need.
While important steps have been made in promoting healthy ageing, ongoing efforts and increased resources are essential to overcoming existing challenges. Collaborative strategies and strengthened health systems are crucial for the successful implementation of the Decade of Healthy Ageing.
Blueprint for Healthy Ageing: A Collaborative Effort
- Formulating a Regional Strategy: During a recent meeting, experts and officials laid the groundwork for a regional strategy aimed at promoting healthy ageing. This strategy which is based on solid evidence will guide the collaborative efforts of the WHO and Member countries in the Region over the coming years. This initiative aligns with the WHO South-East Asia Regional Roadmap for Results and Resilience (2024-2029), which member countries endorsed last month.
- Building on Past Efforts: Previously, the WHO and Member countries created the Regional Framework for Healthy Ageing (2018-2022). Additionally, they developed training packages for healthcare providers focused on delivering Integrated Care for Older People. These initiatives have set a strong foundation for ongoing efforts to improve the health and well-being of the ageing population.
Preparing for a Growing Ageing Population
By 2050, it is anticipated that the Region will have a population of 480 million older people. This expected increase highlights the progress made over the past thirty years. The Regional Director noted that there has been an eight-year increase in life expectancy, alongside significant advancements in women's empowerment and reductions in fertility rates. These achievements reflect the positive trends and improvements in public health and social development in the Region.
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