Active Ageing

World Health Organisation (WHO)

(Source: WHO: Active ageing: a policy framework, Geneva, 2002)

Population ageing is one of humanity′s greatest triumphs. It is also one of our greatest challenges. As we enter the 21st century, global ageing will put increased economic and social demands on all countries. At the same time, older people are a precious, oftenignored resource that makes an important contribution to the fabric of our societies.

The World Health Organization argues that countries can afford to get old if governments, international organizations and civil society enact ′active ageing′ policies and programmes that enhance the health, participation and security of older citizens. The time to plan and to act is now.

These policies and programmes should be based on the rights, needs, preferences and capacities of older people. They also need to embrace a life course perspective that recognizes the important influence of earlier life experiences on the way individuals age.

All "Active Ageing" related documents can be found on the WHO website.