Enhancing Health and Well-Being for Older Adults: How WHO Empowers ASEAN Member States

The world is getting older. By 2050, the number of people aged 60 and over is expected to double from 1.06 billion in 2020 to 2.13 billion. In Southeast Asia, this shift is even more striking. The older adult population in this region could soar from 77.4 million to 173.3 million in just thirty years. This rapid aging brings challenges, but it also presents opportunities for creating communities where seniors can actively participate.

To address these changes, the ASEAN Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation (ACAI) was established in 2020, led by Thailand. This center aims to improve the lives of older adults through research and collaboration. Recently, on February 24-25, 2025, ACAI held a meeting in Bangkok. This gathering included stakeholders from various sectors, including health organizations and academic institutions. They came together to discuss strategies for promoting active aging and to draft ACAI’s first Five-Year Strategic Plan.

During the meeting, Dr. Jos Vandelaer from the World Health Organization (WHO) shared a message emphasizing the need for better health services for older people. He highlighted that many seniors face financial hardships due to health costs and often lack access to essential health services.

Dr. Olivia Nieveras from the WHO reported on the progress made during the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing, which runs from 2021 to 2030. While advancements have been made in policies for healthy aging, she stressed that increased political support and resources are necessary.

Dr. Mikiko Kanda from the WHO’s Western Pacific office discussed the need to shift healthcare systems from focusing on treating diseases to promoting overall health and well-being among seniors. This change aims to create environments that support healthy aging.

WHO plans to work closely with ACAI and ASEAN countries to improve healthcare for older adults. This collaboration includes making long-term care more accessible and promoting age-friendly communities.

The two-day event aimed to outline key initiatives to support healthy aging in ASEAN. It also focused on strengthening partnerships for a shared goal: ensuring the well-being of older adults across the region.

ACAI plays a crucial role in addressing aging challenges in Southeast Asia. Based in Bangkok, it serves as a hub for research, policy coordination, and sharing knowledge about aging. By focusing on active aging and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, ACAI works to enhance the quality of life for older people.

For more information on their initiatives, you can visit the ASEAN Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation (ACAI).

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