From active ageing to health ageing

Abstract

Population aging is one of humanity's greatest triumphs. It is also one of our greatest challenges. Every person – in every country in the world – should have the opportunity to live a long and healthy life. WHO defines Healthy Ageing “as the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables wellbeing in older age”.  Healthy Ageing is about creating the environments and opportunities that enable people to be and do what they value throughout their lives. Everybody can experience Healthy Ageing. Being free of disease or infirmity is not a requirement for Healthy Ageing as many older adults have one or more health conditions that, when well controlled, have little influence on their wellbeing. Active, healthy aging helps reduce the pressure on health care and social services. Seniors make important contributions to their families, their communities, the economy, and their nation. Older people who stay healthy, active and independent can continue to contribute their skills, knowledge, and experience to society. Active aging is a term used to describe the maintenance of positive subjective well-being, good physical, social and mental health and continued involvement in one’s family, peer group and community throughout the aging process. It is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as “the process of optimizing opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age.” In the presentation the road form health to active aging will be eluded to.