Healthy Ageing Conference 2023
- Written by Media Outreach
Advancing Healthy Ageing in the Western Pacific Moving Forward with the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing
HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach - 30 October 2023 - Population ageing is a pressing priority in the Western Pacific region, home to one of the world's largest and fastest-growing elderly populations. Recognizing the significance of this issue, the World Health Organization (WHO) has taken the lead in developing an action plan on healthy ageing for the region, aligned with the United Nations (UN) Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030). In line with these efforts, the Healthy Ageing Conference 2023 was successfully held in Hong Kong on 26-27 October 2023. The conference, organized by the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Community Health Services, School of Nursing of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), and co-organized by the Department of Health of The Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), PolyU Research Institute of Smart Ageing, and PolyU Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, served as a crucial platform to address the challenges and explore innovative solutions for healthy ageing in the region.The distinguished guests at the Healthy Ageing Conference 2023 presided over the inaugural ceremony, symbolizing the collective commitment of conference participants to promote healthy ageing in the Western Pacific region in alignment with the United Nations' Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030).
The conference's opening ceremony marked its official commencement, with esteemed speakers delivering their addresses. Professor Jin-guang TENG, President of PolyU, welcomed participants and emphasized the pivotal role of the conference in realizing the United Nations' vision of healthy ageing. "The conference aimed to address the multifaceted factors influencing the well-being of older individuals and their families. It provided a platform to showcase cutting-edge gerontechnological innovations, discuss the latest interventions and advancements in epidemiology, and identify comprehensive strategies for implementing the WHO's action items." Professor TENG remarked. Mr. ZHANG Hui, Counselor (DG level) from the Department of Ageing and Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, emphasized healthy ageing was the least costly and most effective means and ways to cope with population ageing. The Chinese government had been positively responding to the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021-2030). Mr. ZHANG highlighted the significance of collaboration and knowledge exchange between Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao in various aspects such as scientific research, technologies, projects, standards, norms, talents, services, and industries related to healthy ageing and elderly care. Mr. ZHANG Hui expressed, "The National Health Commission will continue to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with Hong Kong and Macao in the field of healthy aging, learn from each other and complement each other's advantages." Professor Chung-mau LO, Secretary of Health, Health Bureau of the HKSAR Government, emphasized that the government acknowledges the significant challenges posed by the rapidly ageing population. The government is committed to implementing a comprehensive structural reform that will transition the healthcare system from a treatment-oriented approach to a prevention-focused approach, and shift the service delivery from hospital-based to community-based settings. Professor LO stated, "Our ultimate goal is to enhance the overall health of the population, ensure accessible and integrated healthcare services, and establish a sustainable healthcare system." The Organizing Committee of the Healthy Ageing Conference 2023, along with representatives from the Western Pacific region of the World Health Organization, gathered to address the emerging trends and challenges related to population ageing.
Dr. Ronald LAM, Director of Health from the Department of Health of the HKSAR Government, reiterated the unwavering commitment of the HKSAR Government to promote healthy ageing. Dr. LAM emphasized that a comprehensive policy on healthy ageing has been formulated based on the recommendations of the Elderly Commission. Various programmes aimed at promoting the well-being of older adults are being implemented by the Department of Health, including health education for all age groups, caregiver training, and supports the revitalization of primary healthcare services. "Meeting the challenges of Silver Tsunami would require not only cross-sectoral, but also international collaboration. Let's join hands for the health and well-being of our senior citizens." said Dr. LAM. Dr. Hiromasa OKAYASU, Director of the Division of Healthy Environments and Populations at the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO), reaffirmed that the conference offered an exceptional platform for policymakers, stakeholders, practitioners, researchers, and academics to come...