The Regional Committee,
Recalling resolution 33/52 adopted at the thirty-third session of the United Nations General Assembly, in which it was decided to organize a World Assembly on Aging in 1982, and resolution WHA32.25;
Having considered the Regional Director's report on the present situation and the action taken in the Western Pacific Region;*
Recognizing the potential problems of the elderly as a population group and the need to ensure that national and regional programmes for the elderly are socially and culturally relevant;
- URGES Member States:
- (1) to continue to support the regional activities being carried out in preparation for the 1982 World Assembly on Aging;
- (2) to promote increased awareness of the problems of the elderly through:
- (a) epidemiological, sociological and biomedical research to determine the nature, extent and magnitude of the health and related problems of the elderly;
- (b) introduction or strengthening of the teaching of geriatrics and gerontology in schools preparing all categories of health personnel;
- (3) to formulate, or revise as necessary, policies and programmes on health care of the elderly as part of their overall health plans, with emphasis on community-based services which promote self-reliance and enhance dignity;
- REQUESTS the Regional Director to support Member States in establishing programmes or strengthening existing programmes on health care of the elderly.