Launch of the 2026 Mid-term Report of the United Nations Decade of Healthy Aging (2021–2030)

Background

The United Nations Decade of Healthy Aging (2021–2030), proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly and led by the World Health Organization (WHO), is a global initiative that brings together governments, international organizations, civil society, academia, the private sector, and older people to improve the lives of older people, their families, and the communities in which they live. Its vision is to foster a world in which everyone can live a longer and healthier life, with opportunities to maintain functional ability, autonomy, participation, and well-being throughout the life course.

In the Region of the Americas, the Decade is particularly relevant due to the rapid pace of population aging. Over the coming decades, the Region is expected to experience one of the fastest increases in the proportion of older people worldwide, presenting significant challenges for health systems, social protection, and care systems, while underscoring the need to build more inclusive, accessible, and supportive environments.

As mandated by Member States, WHO monitors global progress of the Decade through a series of reports published in 2023, 2026, 2029, and 2030, following the 2020 baseline report. For the 2026 midterm report, WHO, with the support of its regional offices, surveyed all Member States to monitor the ten indicators established at the start of the Decade, alongside an analysis of national healthy aging policies, legislation, strategies, and action plans. Findings were presented to the World Health Assembly and the United Nations General Assembly and incorporated into WHO's global database on healthy aging.

Among the countries in the Region of the Americas that responded to the survey, policy coverage related to healthy aging reached 54.7%, with notable progress in institutional commitment, health services, and monitoring systems. Important challenges remain regarding resource availability, digital inclusion, meaningful participation of older people, workforce development, and the sustainability of long-term care services.

This regional webinar presents the main findings of the 2026 Midterm Report of the Decade of Healthy Aging, promotes the exchange of regional experiences and good practices, and creates a space for dialogue on the strategic priorities needed to accelerate implementation of the Decade's four action areas during its final phase (2026–2030).