Presenter(s):
Janine Charnley; Xenia Dolja-Gore; Julie Byles, University of Newcastle, Australia
Abstract
The WHO South-East Asia Region (SEAR) is experiencing a rapid demographic transition, with the population aged 60 years and above projected to triple by 2050. In response, the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021-2030) has emerged as a crucial global initiative to foster longer, healthier lives. This study draws on data from the WHO SEAR report on the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing, highlighting critical trends and systemic challenges faced by the region.
The data reveal concerning patterns, including a reduction in life expectancy and a continued decline in the number of years lived in good health across several member states. Despite the Decade’s focus on four key areas — combating ageism, creating age-friendly environments, integrating person-centred health and long-term care, and strengthening data and research on ageing — progress remains imbalanced. Of major concern, a significant proportion of SEAR member states have not achieved Goals 9 (ensuring access to integrated care) and 10 (improving data collection and monitoring systems), pointing to gaps in policy implementation and resource allocation.
Moreover, an additional question posed to member states regarding their confidence in having the political will and resources to implement these policies revealed many countries expressed uncertainty about their capacity to mobilize adequate funding or secure sustained political support, underscoring the urgent need for stronger governance frameworks and international cooperation.
While the SEAR countries face formidable challenges, data-driven insights from the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing provide a clear roadmap for targeted interventions. Addressing the intertwined issues of health inequity, limited resources, and policy inertia requires a concerted effort from policymakers, health systems, and global partners.
The presentation will share key findings on the current state of healthy ageing in the region. It will present data on life expectancy trends, the health status of older populations, and the progress towards the goals of the Decade. Additionally, insights into member states’ perceptions of their political and financial capacity to implement ageing policies will be discussed. By presenting this evidence, the session aims to inform stakeholders, foster data-driven discussions, and highlight areas requiring urgent action and collaboration.
Keywords: Healthy Ageing, WHO SEAR, UN Decade of Healthy Ageing, Life Expectancy, Health Inequity
Bio(s):
Janine Charnley is a researcher specializing in global ageing, health and social policy, and unmet care needs, with a recent focus on the Asia-Pacific region. Her work examines the unmet health and social care needs of older people, aiming to inform policy and strengthen data collection frameworks for evidence-based decision-making.
Currently, Janine is completing her PhD, which focuses on advancing methodologies to ensure robust measurement and monitoring of unmet health and social care needs among older populations globally. She has collaborated with the WHO on ageing-related research, including projects funded by the WHO Centre for Health Development (Kobe Centre), Japan, and the South-East Asia Regional Office (SEARO), New Delhi, as part of the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing. Her work contributes to improving regional understanding of health and social care challenges.
Beyond research, Janine is actively engaged in knowledge translation and policy discussions. She has experience in social media strategy, event organization, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring that research findings are accessible to policymakers and practitioners. She is also involved in CARE∞TRACK, an international research consortium dedicated to the equitable measurement and monitoring of older people’s unmet health and long-term care needs.
Committed to advancing ageing research and policy, Janine continues to contribute to global discussions on ageing and the future of health and social care systems.
