Ageing trends in Asia and the Pacific

Population ageing has far-reaching consequences for social organization, economic activities, health care, housing, political policies and almost every area of life. What have societies in the Asia and Pacific region done to counter such impending changes and challenges? Too many sectors view demographic ageing negatively and do not acknowledge it as a consequence of great social, health and economic achievements. This chapter reviews what countries in the Asian and Pacific region have done individually and collectively to tackle issues of population ageing. First is the historical development of the action programme on ageing under the United Nations Economic and Social commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and how it evolved within the broader context of international efforts. Demographic ageing is briefly described for the region, as are selected priority areas for action for issues high on the policy agendas of countries in the region. National capacity to achieve those targets is examined, as well as how synergistic efforts resulting fro international cooperation can enhance the capacity of individual countries to tackle those issues. The chapter concludes with challenges in addressing ageing issues in the ESCAP region.