What is the WHO Healthy Ageing Framework?
In 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) redefined its approach to aging, shifting from the 'Active Ageing' model to the broader 'Healthy Ageing' framework. Healthy Ageing is defined as "the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables well-being in older age". This framework recognizes that older adults are not a homogenous group, and that healthy aging is influenced by a person's intrinsic capacity and the environment they live in.
Functional Ability: The Core Concept
The central idea of the WHO framework is functional ability, which is about having the capabilities to be and do what you value. This includes five key domains: meeting basic needs, learning and making decisions, being mobile, building and maintaining relationships, and contributing to society. This functional ability is the result of the interplay between an individual's intrinsic capacity (mental and physical abilities) and their surrounding environment, including physical surroundings, social support, and policies.
Comparing WHO Frameworks: Active vs. Healthy Ageing
The current framework, implemented as the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030), builds upon but significantly refines the older model. The shift reflects a more holistic and less prescriptive view of what a fulfilling old age looks like.
| Feature | Active Ageing (Pre-2015) | Healthy Ageing (Decade 2021-2030) |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Optimizing opportunities for health, participation, and security. | Maintaining functional ability for well-being. |
| Core Concept | Four pillars: health, lifelong learning, participation, and security. | Interplay of intrinsic capacity and environment. |
| Action Areas | Policy framework for individuals. | Global collaboration with four specific action areas involving governments, civil society, and other partners. |
| Goal | Facilitate longevity and individual potential. | Improve the lives of older people and their communities. |
The Four Action Areas of the Decade of Healthy Ageing
The UN Decade of Healthy Ageing is the strategic vehicle for implementing the framework globally. It focuses on four interconnected action areas:
1. Combating Ageism
Ageism negatively impacts the health and well-being of older people. The framework addresses ageism through various actions like legislation, education, and media campaigns to change societal norms and dismantle discriminatory practices.
2. Creating Age-Friendly Environments
This involves creating inclusive and accessible spaces that support and enable older people to participate fully in community life. The WHO Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities facilitates the exchange of knowledge and best practices for creating these supportive environments.
3. Delivering Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE)
ICOPE is a key component shifting health and social care services towards a person-centered model addressing the complex needs of older people. The ICOPE guidelines provide tools for assessing intrinsic capacity, developing personalized care plans, and coordinating care.
4. Establishing Sustainable Long-Term Care
The framework emphasizes developing equitable and sustainable long-term care systems, addressing formal and informal caregiving. Actions include building the workforce, developing financing models, and supporting family caregivers.
Enabling Factors for Implementation
To effectively achieve its goals, the WHO framework relies on four key enablers: Voice and Meaningful Engagement, Connecting Stakeholders, Leadership and Capacity Building, and Strengthening Data, Research, and Innovation. These factors ensure that older people are involved, collaboration occurs, necessary skills are developed, and progress is measured.
Conclusion
The WHO framework on healthy aging is a comprehensive strategy promoting well-being throughout older age by focusing on functional ability and addressing environmental and societal issues like ageism. The UN Decade of Healthy Ageing provides a roadmap for global action to realize this vision. For more information, visit {Link: Decade of Healthy Ageing Platform https://www.decadeofhealthyageing.org/}.
