People around the world are, on average, living longer than ever before. By 2030, the number of older persons is projected to increase by 34% to 1.4 billion, with the majority living in low- and middle-income countries. This is one of humanity’s greatest achievements and an unprecedented opportunity for all people to live with meaning, dignity, and purpose for longer.
However, longer lives are not yet healthier lives for all. Too many people around the world are experiencing worse health than they should, particularly as they age, because of gaps in our health and social care systems as well as broader environments that prevent us from maximising our later years. While we have succeeded by adding years to life (extending lifespan), we must now add life to years (extending the number of years lived in good health).
This event created a space for Member States to have an open dialogue on how we can maximise the opportunities presented by longevity during the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing. Participants heard from fellow Member States on the investments they are making in healthy ageing, the returns on investment they are seeing, and how they are drawing on new resources and evidence to implement the UN Decade. The discussion also featured reflections from the World Health Organization and the National Academy of Medicine on emerging themes and ways forward to fulfil the promise of the 2030 Agenda through the UN Decade.
Join the movement to transform the world to be a better place to grow older: www.decadeofhealthyageing.org...