Washington, DC, April 2, 2024 (PAHO) – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) today launched a progress report that reveals progress in policies and actions to promote healthy aging in the region, despite the challenges that The world has faced each other since 2020.
The 2023 Progress Report of the Decade of Healthy Aging (2021-2030) highlights that increases in implementation between 2020 and 2022 were greater than 20% for four of the ten national progress indicators considered in the study.
Some of the main findings indicate that 91% of the countries that reported data from the Americas have a national policy on aging; while almost 70% have mechanisms to promote and protect the rights of older people. Additionally, 78% of countries reporting data have a policy, legislation, strategy or program for the integration of palliative care services into the structure and financing of national health systems at all levels of care.
The report highlights several regional initiatives such as the Inter-American Convention on the Rights of Older Persons of the Organization of American States (OAS), which is presented as a unique legal instrument at the regional and global level; in addition to the guide «Let’s get it done!» for age-friendly cities and communities, launched by PAHO together with HelpAge International and AARP.
On the other hand, the progress and limits of the implementation of the Decade described in the report indicate how actions could be accelerated in the next phase.
“One of the challenges highlighted in the report is the lack of financial resources, which indicates the need for political commitment and specific budget allocations to support healthy aging. We must commit to increasing our efforts if we want to consolidate health and social protection systems that promote healthy aging and favor economic sustainability,” said PAHO Deputy Director Rhonda Sealey-Thomas.
PAHO, in coordination with countries and other organizations, promotes the implementation of the Decade and the fulfillment of its objectives through the application of methodologies and tools such as Global campaign against ageism, the Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities and the strategy for Integrated Care of the Elderly (ICOPE). Likewise, the Decade of Healthy Aging in the Americas: Situation and Challenges Series is available to inform action through evidence.
PAHO is committed to continuing to support Member States in strengthening their actions towards healthy aging through concerted and coordinated action with other actors, especially promoting the involvement of older persons.
The Report was presented during a virtual seminar in which representatives of ministries and government institutions from Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica and Mexico participated; as well as representatives of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), AARP and agencies of the United Nations System. During the day, topics related to the protection of the rights of older people, combating ageism, friendly environments, integrated care, long-term care and the path to 2030 were addressed.
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