2021-2030 United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing…

Populations around the world are ageing at a faster pace than in the past and this demographic transition will have an impact on almost all aspects of society. The world has united around the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: all countries and all stakeholders pledged that no one will be left behind and determined to ensure that every human being can fulfil their potential in dignity and equality and in a healthy environment.   COVID-19 pandemic has posed a disproportionate impact on the survivals, livelihoods and dignity of older persons, and requires inclusive, comprehensive, and prevention-oriented response. The pandemic has highlighted the seriousness of existing gaps in policies, systems, services and community support. Out of the 1 billion people aged 60 years or older, most are living in low- and middle-income countries. Many do not have access to even the basic resources necessary for a life of meaning and of dignity. Many others confront multiple barriers that prevent their full participation in society.   On 14 December 2020 United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 2021-2030 the UN Decade for Healthy Ageing. This initiative, lead by the World Health Organization (WHO), is an opportunity to bring together governments, civil society, international agencies, professionals, academia, the media, and the private sector for ten years of concerted, catalytic and collaborative action to improve the lives of older people, their families, and the communities in which they live.   According to the Global Report on Ageism, released on 18 March 2021 by WHO, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs and United Nations Population Fund, every second person in the world is believed to hold ageist attitudes – leading to poorer physical and mental health and reduced quality of life for older persons, costing societies billions of dollars each year. If governments, UN agencies, development organizations, civil society organizations and academic and research institutions implement strategies that are effective and invest in further research, and if individuals and communities join the movement and challenge every instance of ageism, then together we can create a world for all ages.   The Decade of Healthy Ageing will adhere to the guiding principles of Agenda 2030 and those in the global strategy and the Global Campaign to Combat Ageism. The Decade will be based on the human rights approach, which addresses the universality, inalienability and indivisibility of the human rights to which everyone is entitled, without distinction of any kind.   To foster healthy ageing and improve the lives of older people and their families and communities, fundamental shifts will be required not only in the actions we take but in how we think about age and ageing. The Decade will address four areas for action: change how we think, feel and act towards age and ageing; ensure that communities foster the abilities of older people; deliver person-centred integrated care and primary health services responsive to older people; provide access to long-term care for older people who need it.   This session will discuss the vision and principles of the Decade and offer insights in the four action areas and their close link to the human rights, as well as their applicability to specific country settings. The implementation process by the different stakeholders will be considered, focusing on the challenges, good practices and ways to measure the success, including the need for strengthened data, research and innovation to accelerate implementation and reach the objectives identified within the four areas of action.