WHO urges global shift toward healthy ageing

Eastern Mediterranean progress cited as model for integrated elderly care

TDT | Manama

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The World Health Organization’s regional chief for the Eastern Mediterranean on Tuesday called for a global shift in priorities from merely extending lifespan to ensuring healthier ageing, warning that millions of people are spending nearly a decade in poor health at the end of life.

Speaking at a side event on healthy longevity during the 79th World Health Assembly, Dr Hanan Balkhy said the next decade must be defined by improving the quality of life in older age, not just increasing longevity.

“We have made remarkable progress in helping people live longer. The harder challenge… is helping people live well,” she said.

She told delegates that globally people now spend “nearly ten years in poor health before they die”, noting that with around 1.2 billion people aged over 60 worldwide, healthy ageing has become “an economic, social and political imperative”.

“Our goal must be to add life to years, not only years to life,” she said.

The meeting, attended by health ministers and senior officials including Mansoor bin Ebrahim bin Saad Al Mahmoud, focused on strengthening health systems to respond to ageing populations.

Dr Balkhy said the Eastern Mediterranean Region illustrates both the opportunities and challenges in achieving healthy longevity, ranging from advanced health systems to countries affected by conflict, fragility and resource constraints.

She stressed that progress depends on strong primary healthcare systems, community engagement, and a shift in how older people are viewed.

“Older people must be treated as active participants, not passive recipients of care,” she said.

According to WHO data cited at the event, noncommunicable diseases account for 75% of global deaths, driven largely by lifestyle and environmental factors, including living conditions, air quality and social connection.