WHO Urges Global Overhaul of Care Systems for Older Populations

On the UN International Day of Older Persons, the organization highlights the critical need for accessible, person-centered care as the world ages

On the 2024 UN International Day of Older Persons, the World Health Organization (WHO) made a compelling call to revolutionize how care and support systems address the needs of older adults globally. As we approach the halfway mark of the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030), WHO stressed the urgency for transformative change, particularly as the world faces a rapid rise in aging populations. By 2030, one in six people worldwide is expected to be aged 60 or older, with an even larger proportion living in low- and middle-income countries by 2050.

Dr. Anshu Banerjee, Director of WHO’s Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing, emphasized that care is a universal need, especially in older age. He pointed out that current care systems are unprepared to meet the growing demand, and the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing requires societies to radically rethink how care is valued and delivered. Banerjee reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to supporting countries as they develop and strengthen these essential systems.

A Global Imperative for Healthy Aging

Observed annually on October 1st, the International Day of Older Persons serves not only as a celebration of older individuals’ contributions to society but also as a call to action on the challenges they face. This year’s theme, “Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide,” underscores the vital role that health and long-term care services play in ensuring older people can lead meaningful, fulfilling lives.

WHO’s latest analysis paints a stark picture of the global situation:

• Unmet healthcare needs remain a widespread issue for older individuals, regardless of income or location.
• Two-thirds of older people will likely need long-term care to assist with basic daily tasks like mobility and eating.
• Ageist stereotypes continue to obstruct access to necessary care, with many caregivers and older adults themselves believing poor health is inevitable with age.

Gaps in Global Care Systems

Despite growing recognition of these issues, many older adults lack access to affordable, high-quality care. WHO’s progress report on the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2023) revealed that:

• Only one in four countries has the political and financial resources needed to offer integrated care tailored to older adults.
• Less than 60% of countries include long-term care in national frameworks for geriatric care.
• In low-income countries, just 16% offer training programs for caregivers of older people, even though unpaid informal care is heavily relied upon.

These findings highlight the pressing need for countries to commit to reforms that ensure older adults can age with dignity. As populations age, the responsibility to provide comprehensive and sustainable care systems becomes increasingly urgent.

A Call for Transformative Change

WHO advocates for a transformation in how care is structured and delivered to older people. The organization recommends an integrated continuum of care that:

• Is person-centered, ensuring that individuals’ preferences and goals are prioritized.
• Integrates health and social services, bridging the gap between healthcare and long-term support systems.
• Supports caregivers, particularly informal caregivers like family members, who are often women and play a crucial role in the care ecosystem.
• Holds governments accountable for ensuring the delivery of accessible, affordable, and appropriate care for all older adults.

The WHO emphasizes that as the world enters a new era of aging populations, countries must rise to the challenge and reimagine care systems to guarantee a healthy and dignified life for all. The transformation of global care systems will not only ensure that older populations are cared for but will also benefit societies as a whole, enabling intergenerational equity and wellbeing.

As Dr. Banerjee concludes, “This is not just about meeting basic needs—it’s about creating a world where older people can thrive.”