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Learn moreThe 2025 United Nations International Day of Older Persons will serve as a platform for older persons to share their aspirations, advocate for their well-being, and call for the full enjoyment of their human rights. This year's commemoration, themed "Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-Being, Our Rights,” will take place in-person at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City ECOSOC Chamber (tbc), on Wednesday, 1 October 2025 from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm EST.
MoreHalfway through the “Decade of Healthy Ageing”, global experts on ageing will address the central role of the brain in maintaining one’s health and quality of life. The opportunities and challenges for older people for a healthy life across the life span will be explored from various perspectives.
MoreThe 2025 UNIDOP in Geneva, Switzerland will highlight the rationale for a legally binding instrument and the roles and responsibilities of each actor in supporting the process to a Convention that reflects the realities of older persons across the world today and generations to come.
MoreObjective: This side event aims to highlight how gender inequality, ageism, and discrimination faced by women across the life course undermine sustainable development, and to spotlight the vital role that older women play in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. By focusing on gender responsive, rights based, and life course approaches to ageing, it will underscore connections with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well Being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG17 (Partnerships). The event will explore how addressing gender and age discrimination can drive more inclusive economic growth, stronger care and social protection systems, and intergenerational solidarity — catalyzing gender equality and resilience across all generations.
MoreMost COVID-19 related deaths in the Region of the Americas have occurred in people aged 70 years and over. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has further revealed the fragility of older adults, as well as of the health systems and communities that support them. However, age-friendly environments and related initiatives have played a key role in the timely adaptation to and mitigation of the effects of COVID-19. Various age-friendly cities and communities in Latin America participated in a survey aiming to understand the role of such initiatives in the Region, the impact of being part of the global network, and to present best practices adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic. This publication aims to show that being part of the “age-friendly global network” is beneficial not only to older persons but for all, and it can be especially beneficial in emergency situations. Its intended impact is to increase the quality of planning and concrete actions of age-friendly environments within the Region of the Americas. The primary target audiences of this publication are Member States of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and stakeholders that are involved and have prior knowledge of the practice of age-friendly environments. It also intends to reach age-friendly cities and communities in the Region of the Americas to share good practices that can be reproduced, as well as encourage such initiatives on behalf of older individuals. Its key messages highlight the importance of access to technology for older people and how being an age-friendly city plays an important role in reaching vulnerable populations. It also shows how a multisectoral approach and the involvement of different actors have made a huge impact in the development of activities toward an age-friendly environment and in favor of the protection of older adults.
MoreThis inter-institutional initiative, led by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in collaboration with other United Nations agencies and the inter-American system, aims to promote effective actions, favor the prioritization of measures at the local level and serve as a basis for reporting on the progress made during the Decade of Healthy Aging 2021-2030. Its purpose is to provide evidence-based information on the health and well-being situation of older persons in the Region of the Americas. This initiative consists of a series of publications is divided into four parts, namely: the demographic situation in the Region, aging and health, the various areas of action of the Decade of Healthy Ageing and other related emerging issues. Each part will be updated with new reports, articles, and data on a regular basis.
MorePeople worldwide are living longer, but the opportunities that arise from increasing longevity depend strongly on the health and well-being of older populations. Healthy ageing needs to be fostered by creating integrated and responsive primary health care systems and services; ensuring access to long-term care for older people who need it; changing how we think, feel and act towards age and ageing; and cultivating age-friendly environments. If these actions are underpinned by activities to address socioeconomic inequities, then they can improve the health and well-being of current and future generations.
MoreThis paper contributes to the evolution and acceleration of the global care agenda by taking stock of the state of the care economy at the beginning of 2024 and surfacing new perspectives to release its economic potential. It is unique in its global approach and its emphasis on public-private collaboration. It details the ways in which care is critical to addressing longstanding inequities as well as to fuelling growth. The paper subsequently lays out the interlinkages between the public sector, private sector and civil society that stakeholders can use to strengthen care economies. It advances a set of design principles and highlights key success factors observed in existing models. Finally, it surfaces promising practices implemented by a range of stakeholders that can support the exploration of meaningful investments and the striking of key partnerships. It argues that a well designed care economy will achieve: higher levels of productivity and growth; higher levels of gender parity; higher levels of workforce participation; higher levels of educational attainment; higher business profitability and efficiency; lower levels of inequality; lower long-term social expenditure.
MoreIn a new Surgeon General’s Advisory, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy warns about the public health crisis that loneliness, isolation, and disconnection pose to the American public. Loneliness and isolation are widespread, with approximately half of U.S. adults experiencing loneliness. Disconnection fundamentally affects our mental, physical, and societal health. In fact, loneliness and isolation increase the risk for individuals to develop mental health challenges in their lives, and lacking connection can increase the risk for premature death as much as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day. Strengthening the social fabric of our communities is essential in order to improve the health of people and communities and must be a national priority. Addressing loneliness is as vital to protecting our health as addressing obesity, tobacco, or addiction. The Surgeon General’s Advisory lays out lays out a National Strategy to Advance Social Connection, which has never been done before in the United States. It includes six pillars detailing recommendations that individuals, governments, workplaces, health systems, and community organizations can take to increase connection in their lives, communities, and across the country. By strengthening our relationships, increasing connection, and rebuilding the social fabric of our nation, we can improve the health of people across the country.
MoreJapan’s long-term care insurance system was launched in April 2000, and in the ensuing years, as domestic demographics have continued to evolve, it has undergone various revisions to meet the changing situation. Currently, the pattern of aging in Japanese society has shifted from a phase in which the actual number of senior citizens was growing rapidly to a phase in which the number is not increasing much, but the relative proportion of those seniors to the overall population is rising as the working-age population is decreasing. This phenomenon calls for further changes in the system as it poses the dual challenges of finding new fiscal resources and securing the human resources needed to care for the elderly. Welfare for the elderly in Japan has always and will continue to be a “work in progress,” constantly evolving to keep up with the changing needs. The first half of this article looks back at the history of welfare for the elderly in Japan and reflects on its shortcomings. It explains the background that led to the creation of the long-term care insurance system, offering insight into the significance of the system and how it developed into what may be considered an optimal solution, the community-based integrated care system. The article also touches on the launch of the Asia Health and Wellbeing Initiative (AHWIN), which offers a different perspective on how Japan and the countries in Asia can work together to tackle the challenges facing aging societies in the coming years in order to create vibrant and healthy societies where people can enjoy long and productive lives.
MoreThis research brief synthesizes scholarship and research exploring the concept of ageism, its multifaceted forms, impacts, and redresses. Ageism is defined as the stereotyping, prejudice, and/or discrimination of individuals on the basis of their age. It is one of the most pervasive, yet least acknowledged and socially accepted forms of prejudice. Though little recognized, ageism is a significant societal issue and mounting public health concern for the growing global elder population and communities worldwide. Biased attitudes and actions are observed at the individual, societal, and systemic levels. Age-prejudice can be implicit, subtle or evident, and consequential harms may be immediate and/or enduring. Resulting injuries include increased morbidity, marginalization, social privation, and financial damages. Effective interventions embrace education, awareness, intergenerational programs, and outreach.
MoreThe WHO Centre for Health Development (WHO Kobe Centre – WKC) has produced a series of research briefs on financing long-term care (LTC) which translate research evidence to guide policy-makers on designing and financing LTC in low- and middle-income countries. Brief 6 in the series, Financing health and social long-term care: lessons for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), addresses how countries can ensure financial protection in LTC.
MoreThe number of aging workers in the workforce is growing. People are working longer, either because they want to, they need to to make ends meet or have because they have unique skills. So, what are the implications of this trend for the trade union movement? What does it mean for older workers and their representatives? And how can trade unions address the multiple challenges that are emerging as the workforce ages? In this podcast we explore these trends with Plamen Dimitrov, President of the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria and member of the Workers’ Group of the ILO Governing Body.
MoreIs Dementia a normal part of ageing? Someone suffers from dementia every three seconds. What are the causes? Can we prevent it? Is there a cure? Dr Katrin Seeher explains in Science in 5.
MoreDid you know that social isolation or loneliness could increase your risk of early death by up to 32%? How would you know if you are socially isolated and how does it impact your health? Alana Officer explains and gives tips to overcome social isolation in Science in 5 this week.
MoreThere’s a new trend in the world of work…the growth of an ageing workforce. It’s called the “Silver Tsunami’, and it means more people are working past retirement age, either because they want to or because they must, to make ends meet. So, what are the implications of this trend for employers and enterprises? In this podcast, Roberto Suárez Santos, Secretary-General of the International Organisation of Employers, and Dorothea Schmidt-Klau, Chief of the Employment, Labour Markets and Youth Branch in the ILO’s Employment Policy Department, explore this issue, and how it will impact the world of work.
MoreDid you know that chronic low back pain is a major cause of disability across the world impacting people’s physical capabilities, sleep, participation in work, school and relationships? What kind of treatment should you ask for? Which treatments do not work? Learn to manage your low back pain from Dr Yuka Sumi in the World Health Organization's Science in 5 series.
MoreElla Al-Shamahi meets two women tackling negative or ageist attitudes towards older people around the world. Alana Officer is leading the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing and the Global Campaign to Combat Ageism. With a background in podiatric medicine, exercise and public health she's worked on health, disability, rehabilitation and development in West and Central Africa, Europe, South Asia, the Middle East and the Western Pacific. Lina Walker is Senior Vice President of Global Thought Leadership for AARP. (AARP was formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons.) Her aim is to improve opportunities for increased longevity with healthier, financially resilient, and connected lives. An economist, Dr Walker also co-leads AARP’s health care strategy on advocacy, policy, education, and outreach.
MoreThis feature video story shows how local community and hospital promote health and prevent diseases by creating an age-friendly environment in Saitama, Japan. By expanding preventative health services, organizing group activities, and emphasizing the importance of health-conscious choices, local residents are empowered to take control of their own health and well-being. Through effective service coordination, multidisciplinary care, and strong community support, it demonstrates how age-friendly environments can contribute to fostering a sense of community and promoting positive lifestyle choices for individuals of all ages.
MoreThis video highlights the effective measures taken in Nabari, Japan, to promote collaboration among various stakeholders to create age-friendly communities. The initiatives showcased include the establishment of an “area welfare education total support system,” the empowerment of self-organized groups, and the introduction of social prescribing. Through the active involvement of local government, healthcare professionals, and residents, these initiatives utilize resources, exchange knowledge, and implement tangible steps, resulting in the creation of an inclusive and age-friendly environment.
MorePolicy interventions to meet the needs of older persons and bring societal development into harmony with demographic change span across many policy areas including education, health, labour and social affairs. They address challenges such as ageism and take steps towards creating enabling environments for active and healthy ageing. The UNECE Ageing Policies Database allows you to browse ageing-related policy interventions developed by UNECE member States across Europe, North America and Central Asia. The database is a tool for knowledge sharing, peer learning and monitoring of policy developments over time. It showcases policy innovations in the field of ageing across 14 broad policy themes. Developed by the UNECE Population Unit and the UNECE Standing Working Group on Ageing it provides easy access to a wealth of policy actions, searchable by country, policy theme or policy instrument.
MoreThis database is the first product of the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing's intervention accelerator initiative on abuse of older people, which aims to develop a portfolio of effective approaches to prevent and respond to the abuse of older people. The database contains 89 promising interventions identified through a rigorous search and screening of nearly 14 000 scientific studies. The aims of these interventions include: (1) improving knowledge of abuse of older people among professionals to increase the likelihood of detection and reporting; (2) raising awareness of the issue; (3) reducing mental health symptoms among victims of abuse; and (4) preventing abuse. Older people who have experienced or are at risk of abuse were the main targets of these interventions, although a significant proportion were also aimed at caregivers, perpetrators of abuse and institutions. Over half of the identified interventions were implemented in the United States of America, which emphasizes the need to conduct more research in low- and middle-income countries. The new database is a rich repository of evidence-based interventions to address abuse of older people that can inform future research and practice in the field by governments, international organizations, civil society organizations, academics, practitioners, and funders. The UN Decade of Healthy Ageing intervention accelerator on abuse of older people will build on this database by further evaluating these interventions for refinement, adaptation and real-world testing.
MoreIn a new Surgeon General’s Advisory, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy warns about the public health crisis that loneliness, isolation, and disconnection pose to the American public. This Resource Library supports the Advisory by outlining recommendations and useful resources to support different stakeholder groups in the United States implement the Framework for a National Strategy to Advance Social Connection. Individuals and organizations can use this framework to address the public health problem of social disconnection and strengthen social connection. The recommendations and resources outlined in this Resource Library can also help stakeholders around the world combat loneliness and promote social connection in their own contexts.
MoreThe Database on Older Persons in Collective Living Quarters 2022 is a unique dataset that provides harmonized and comparable data on patterns and trends of older persons aged 65 or over residing in collective living quarters (also called as “group quarters”). Data on collective living quarters (or non-household living arrangements) are still limited. The main source for non-household living arrangement data are population and housing censuses. The estimates are based on 347 unique data sources from 135 countries or areas, representing approximately 77 per cent of persons aged 65 or over globally (circa 2010), with reference dates ranging from 1960 to 2018.
MoreThe Database on Households and Living Arrangements of Older Persons 2022 is a global compilation of indicators on the household composition and living arrangements of persons aged 60 or over. The indicators have been estimated using both tabulated data and household roster micro-data from censuses and household surveys. The 2022 database includes estimates from 209 Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS), representing 98 countries or areas, which were not available in the previous versions. The estimates are based on 982 unique data sources from 180 countries or areas, representing approximately 98 per cent of persons aged 60 or over globally, with reference dates ranging from 1960 to 2020.
MoreA programme of work at the University of Sheffield supports and promotes the sexual rights of older adults, part of which involves providing reliable information about sexual health and sexual well-being as we get older. Through research, older adults consistently highlight the lack of available information on sexual issues for the over 50s. The website Age, Sex and You has been designed to meet these needs. It provides general information, all in one place, about the sexual changes that can occur with older age. It can be difficult to talk about sex because it is a private topic, and sexual health campaigns rarely include older adults. As a result, there is a silence around the sexual issues as we get older and a need to improve sexual health awareness in this area. Age, Sex and You is a public health website that is free to use. It aims to support healthy sexual ageing for the millions of older adults to whom sex and intimacy are important.
MoreOn the UN International Day of Older Persons 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) is urgently calling for action to not only strengthen but transform the way countries provide care and support for older people, especially as we approach the halfway point of the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030).
MoreTo mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) has released an interactive database of 89 interventions that show promise to prevent and respond to the abuse of older people, also known as elder abuse. This database is the first product of the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing’s Intervention Accelerator initiative on abuse of older people. The Intervention Accelerator is an international network of experts, led by WHO, working to develop a portfolio of effective approaches to address the abuse of older people.
MoreWHO and UN partners have launched the first UN Decade of Healthy Ageing progress report, which charts efforts to improve the lives of older people since 2020, capturing the impact of major challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, during which over 80% of deaths were among over 60-year-olds. The report also highlights activities in support of healthy ageing in nearly 50 countries. The report features results from a survey of 136 countries, conducted between late 2022 and early 2023, and notes the areas of greatest progress, by comparing with a previous survey from 2020. This comparison showed an over 20% increase in the number of countries reporting: legislation against ageism, legislation to support older people’s access to assistive products; national policies on comprehensive assessments of health and social care needs of ageing populations; and national programmes for age-friendly cities and communities.
MoreFifty individuals from around the world have been recognised as part of the first ever Healthy Ageing 50: leaders transforming the world to be a better place to grow older. The individuals were evaluated by an expert panel of reviewers from across international organizations with over 500 nominations received across all Sustainable Development Goal regions.
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