The World Health Organization has released an updated Global Report on Ageing and Health, providing new data on demographic change, life expectancy, and health system capacity as populations age worldwide. The report was published this week and draws on national statistics, longitudinal studies, and health system reporting from WHO member states.
According to the report, the number of people aged 60 and older continues to rise across all regions. The global population in this age group is projected to exceed 1.4 billion within the next decade, reflecting longer life expectancy and declining birth rates in many countries. The report notes that ageing is no longer concentrated in high-income economies, with the fastest growth occurring in low- and middle-income regions.
The WHO document updates earlier assessments of healthy life expectancy, showing that while people are living longer, years lived in good health have not increased at the same pace. Chronic non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative conditions, account for the majority of morbidity among older adults. The report highlights persistent gaps between total life expectancy and healthy life expectancy across regions.
Health system readiness is a central focus of the update. The report states that many national systems remain oriented toward acute care and single-disease treatment, rather than integrated management of chronic conditions common in later life. Workforce shortages in geriatrics, primary care, and long-term care are identified as ongoing constraints, particularly in countries experiencing rapid demographic shifts.
The report also reviews trends in long-term care provision. It finds that demand for formal care services is increasing, while informal care provided by families is under strain due to urbanisation, smaller household sizes, and increased labour participation among women. The WHO notes wide variation in access to affordable long-term care across regions.
Data on economic participation among older adults is included in the analysis. The report observes that labour force participation beyond traditional retirement ages has increased in several countries, driven by policy changes, economic necessity, and improved health at older ages. However, disparities remain based on income, education, and gender.
The update incorporates recent findings on social determinants of healthy ageing. Factors such as housing quality, access to transportation, social inclusion, and environmental conditions are cited as having measurable effects on health outcomes in later life. The report references urban design and community-level interventions as areas where policy decisions can influence ageing trajectories.
The WHO calls for improved data collection on ageing populations, noting gaps in comparable, high-quality data across countries. The report emphasises the need for routine measurement of functional ability, not only disease prevalence, to better assess population health among older adults.
The Global Report on Ageing and Health is intended to inform governments, health authorities, and international organisations as they plan services and policies in response to demographic change. The WHO said the findings reflect current conditions and trends rather than long-term projections or policy prescriptions.