Although population ageing represents several important development challenges, older persons have often been overlooked by development policies. Countries need to take steps to ensure that public programmes and policies are age-sensitive and responsive. Developing specific ageing policies and programmes that address the needs, and capitalize on the specific strengths, of older persons is a critical first step.
However, adopting older persons’ policies, is only the first step in ensuring inclusive, responsive and comprehensive polices directed at building societies for all ages. Mainstreaming ageing in all policies would contribute to the achievement of active and healthy ageing. This coherent approach to policymaking reflects the interlinkages of the various dimensions of development as embodied in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and offers a means to ensure that no one is left behind.
In 2021 and 2022, regional Commissions, for the fourth time, supported member States in reviewing national policies and programmes on population ageing, and they organized regional reviews and appraisals, bringing together member States and non-government stakeholders to discuss achievements, lessons learned, emerging issues and gaps in policy implementation.
Based on this recent this session discussed the main challenges and achievements in developing and revising age-sensitive policies across world regions. It also highlighted opportunities for cross-regional learning and showcased some of the specific tools developed at the regional level to support member States in developing and revising policies on ageing.