Decade of Healthy Ageing: 2021-2030

The United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021-2030) is an opportunity to bring together governments, civil society, international agencies, professionals, academia, the media, and the private sector for ten years of concerted, catalytic and collaborative action to improve the lives of older people, their families, and the communities in which they live.

Populations around the world are ageing at a faster pace than in the past and this demographic transition will have an impact on almost all aspects of society. The world has united around the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: all countries and all stakeholders pledged that no one will be left behind and determined to ensure that every human being can fulfil their potential in dignity and equality and in a healthy environment.

A decade of concerted global action on Healthy Ageing is urgently needed. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the seriousness of existing gaps in policies, systems and services. Already, there are more than 1 billion people aged 60 years or older, with most living in low- and middle-income countries. Many do not have access to even the basic resources necessary for a life of meaning and of dignity. Many others confront multiple barriers that prevent their full participation in society.

3 August 2020: The Decade of Healthy Ageing was endorsed by the 73rd World Health Assembly

Following the 146th WHO Executive Board's recommendation made in February 2020 (Decision EB146/13), the 73rd World Health Assembly have endorsed the proposal for a Decade of Healthy Ageing (2020-2030) through written silence procedures.

Member States asked the Director-General to to transmit this decision to the Secretary-General of the United Nations for consideration of the proposal for the Decade by the United Nations General Assembly.

14 December 2020: a UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021-2030) was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly

The United Nations General Assembly welcomed the Decade proposal and decided to proclaim 2021-2030 the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing. WHO will lead this work in close collaboration with the United Nations Department of Social and Economic Affairs and its regional commissions, the United Nations Population Fund, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, United Nations Development Programme, UN Habitat, UN Women, World Bank, and other relevant international and regional organizations.

Source: WHO