*Errors and omissions excepted (E&OE)
Thank you very much, Chair.
As we saw in the OECD presentation, ageing is a global trend – and the pace of this change is accelerating.
The Asia Pacific region has the largest and fastest growing older population in the world. Right now there are about 400 million people over 65 years old: within 20 years, this figure will have doubled.
Preparing for population ageing takes time – because we need to reorient both health systems and society.
We also need to address social determinants of health for older people – such as living conditions, social inclusion, and social security. These changes will not only be good for older people, but generate benefits for all of society.
Last week, during the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific, we discussed healthy ageing. All countries agreed that the earlier we take action to prepare, the better.
As we stand before this new horizon, many interesting innovations and concepts are emerging which can support the healthy ageing process – such as rehabilitation with robotics, financial gerontology, and functional life expectancy in addition to life expectancy and healthy life expectancy. These innovations will help “turn silver into gold”.
WHO is committed to support all countries to prepare for population ageing, in collaboration with partners in different sectors. We are also committed to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and innovation across countries so that countries can learn each other.
Thank you very much.