WHO calls for urgent transformation in support systems as the global population grows older
Geneva, Switzerland, 23 March 2026 – As people across the world live longer than ever before, a new challenge is becoming impossible to ignore: how to care for an ageing population. The World Health Organization is now urging countries to rethink and improve how they support older adults, especially as the world reaches the midpoint of the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030).
The message is clear. While longer life is a success story, current care systems are not keeping up with the needs of older people.
A growing global reality
Ageing is no longer a regional issue. It is a global shift. By 2030, one in six people worldwide will be aged 60 or older. By 2050, most older adults will be living in low- and middle-income countries.
This rapid change means that countries must prepare for a future where more people will need healthcare, support, and long-term assistance in their daily lives.
Why care systems are falling short
According to recent findings, many older people are not receiving the care they need. This is true across both developed and developing countries.
Around two out of three people who reach older age will need help with everyday activities such as eating, moving, or bathing. Yet access to affordable and quality care remains limited.
One major barrier is the way ageing is often viewed. Many people believe that poor health is a natural and unavoidable part of growing older. These assumptions can prevent older individuals from seeking help and can also influence how care is delivered.
In reality, healthy ageing is possible with the right support.
Gaps in support and resources
Despite growing needs, many countries are struggling to build strong care systems. Only a small number have enough resources to provide proper health and long-term care services for older people.
In lower-income countries, care often depends on family members, especially women, who may not have proper training or support. At the same time, many healthcare systems do not fully include long-term care as part of their planning.
This creates a gap between what older people need and what is actually available.
A new approach to healthy ageing
The World Health Organization is calling for a shift toward more integrated and person-centred care. This means focusing on the individual needs, preferences, and goals of each person, rather than offering one-size-fits-all solutions.
An effective care system should connect different services, including healthcare and social support, so that people receive continuous and coordinated care. It should also be affordable and accessible to everyone, regardless of where they live.
Equally important is supporting caregivers. Family members and healthcare workers play a critical role, and they need proper training, recognition, and resources to provide quality care.
Why this matters for everyone
Improving care for older people is not just about one age group. Strong care systems benefit people at every stage of life. They create healthier communities, reduce pressure on healthcare systems, and improve overall quality of life.
As countries move forward, investing in better care systems will be key to building a more inclusive and sustainable future.
With the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing reaching its midpoint, there is a growing sense of urgency. The coming years will be critical in shaping how societies respond to ageing populations.
The call to action is simple: build care systems that respect dignity, support independence, and meet the real needs of people as they age.
Because in the end, ageing is a journey everyone will experience, and the quality of that journey depends on the choices made today.
