The UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030)
Officially declared by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2020, the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing represents a concerted effort to foster healthy ageing worldwide, aligning with the last ten years of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It builds upon previous global strategies and aims for widespread collaboration across various sectors to create a world where all people can live long and healthy lives [3].
The Core Definition: What is Healthy Ageing?
The World Health Organization defines healthy ageing as "the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables well-being in older age" [4]. This definition focuses on an individual's intrinsic capacity and their interaction with their environment, aiming to add life to years rather than just extending lifespan [4].
The Four Pillars of Action
The Decade of Healthy Ageing focuses on four key areas to drive change for older people and communities [1.3].
1. Changing How We Think, Feel, and Act Towards Ageing (Combatting Ageism)
Ageism is a major obstacle to healthy ageing, leading to discrimination and stereotypes [1.3]. The initiative works to shift social norms and perceptions to better utilize the experience and contributions of older adults [1.3].
2. Developing Age-Friendly Environments
Age-friendly environments support older people in remaining active, healthy, and engaged [1.3]. This involves addressing aspects of the built environment and social policies to improve the quality of life for seniors [1.3].
3. Delivering Integrated and Responsive Care
This pillar aims to realign health services towards person-centered integrated care for the complex needs of older people [1.3]. The focus is on maintaining an individual's intrinsic capacity through coordinated, multidisciplinary care [1.3].
4. Providing Access to Long-Term Care
Ensuring access to high-quality long-term care is crucial for older individuals with declining functional ability [1.3]. This includes institutional, community-based care, and support for caregivers, aiming for sustainable and equitable systems [1.3].
Key Enablers for the Decade's Success
Several factors are essential for achieving the Decade's goals:
- Collaboration: Connecting diverse stakeholders [1.3].
- Leadership and Capacity Building: Developing change agents and prioritizing healthy ageing in national policies [1.3].
- Strengthening Data and Research: Improving data collection and analysis to track progress [1.3].
- Innovation: Promoting solutions for challenges related to an ageing population [1.3].
UN Decade of Healthy Ageing vs. Healthy People 2030
It's important to distinguish the global UN Decade from the US-specific Healthy People 2030 initiative [1.2].
| Feature | UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030) | US Healthy People 2030 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Global initiative, led by the UN and WHO [1.3]. | National US initiative [2]. |
| Vision | To add life to years globally by improving the functional ability and well-being of older people [1.3]. | To set measurable national objectives to improve the health and well-being of the US population, including older adults [2]. |
| Primary Approach | Collaborative framework with four action areas [1.3]. | Specific, measurable 10-year targets across various public health topics [2]. |
| Goal Example | Combatting ageism globally [1.3]. | Reducing fall-related deaths and hospitalizations among older adults in the US [2]. |
The Path Forward to 2030
The Decade provides a roadmap for nations to adapt to demographic shifts [1.3]. Monitoring progress is key, with the WHO developing frameworks to track implementation and impact [1.3]. The initiative's success will depend on creating more equitable and supportive societies for older people [1.3].
For more detailed information, explore the official World Health Organization page on the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing here [1].
Conclusion
The Healthy Ageing 2030 initiative, through the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing, is a comprehensive global effort to improve the experience of ageing [1.3]. By addressing ageism, creating age-friendly environments, and enhancing health and long-term care, it aims to ensure that increased longevity is accompanied by improved well-being [1.3]. This framework is vital for building a more inclusive world for older adults [1.3].
