About the Unit on Aging and Health

Mission

The unit on Aging and Health in the Family Health and Population Program of the Division of Health Promotion and Protection, has the responsibility of:

• promoting public and health policies with a focus on active aging;
  
• promoting the health and well-being of older persons (60 years or more) through developing and strengthening national and local programs and services;
  
• encouraging initiatives to create health promotion and disease prevention interventions for older persons;
  
• encouraging the design of supportive environments for disabled older persons and their families.

While the mission of the unit is to promote the health of older persons, its main focus is on developing the infrastructure and capability within the countries to address the needs of older persons and their families. The Pan American Health Organization's role and mission in attaining these goals are elaborated in Health of Older Persons­Aging and Health: A Shift in the Paradigm*