The Regional Committee,
Recalling resolutions WHA32.25, WHA35.28, WHA40.29, WPR/RC32.R15 and WPR/RC36.R23 on health of the elderly and WPR/RC47.R12 on ageing and health;
Having considered the progress report of the Regional Director on ageing and health;*
Acknowledging Member States' increased awareness of the consequences of ageing populations and their effort to formulate policies and to develop or strengthen programmes for the health of older persons;
Noting that a number of Member States have not yet adopted policies to promote and protect the welfare of older persons in society;
Further noting that 1999 will be the International Year of Older Persons;
Aware of the emerging concerns such as the increasing trend towards nuclear families, rapid urbanization and the gender imbalance in the older segment of the population;
Recognizing that population ageing will be one of the most important health, social and economic challenges to face future generations;
Recognizing also the potential to increase the valuable contribution older persons make to society;
- URGES Member States:
- (1) to continue to give due attention to the needs of older persons from health and health care;
- (2) to review systematically their current policies and the development and provision of health services for older persons, especially in so far as they address the emerging concerns identified above;
- (3) to improve the collection and standardization of data on ageing and health;
- (4) to plan for and implement activities undertaken to mark the International Year of Older Persons in 1999 and to report on these activities to WHO;
- REQUESTS the Regional Director:
- (1) to continue to support countries in their efforts to promote the quality of life and well-being of the Region's ageing population through approaches such as promotion of healthy lifestyles throughout life and development of community-based programmes or services for older persons;
- (2) to facilitate and support the sharing of information and experience on promoting the health of order persons;
- (3) to ensure that due consideration is given to the economic implications of ageing populations;
- (4) to promote the retention of appropriate traditional care and positive social values and practices for older persons;
- (5) to report on activities to mark the International Year of Older Persons to the Regional Committee at its fifty-first session in 2000.
* WPR/RC49/14 Rev.1