Bangkok (United Nations Information Services) – Senior government officials and civil society representatives from 26 countries in Asia and the Pacific gathered in Macao, China for the High-level Meeting on the Regional Review of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA) gave the region a mixed scorecard for its efforts to tackle the challenges posed by population ageing.

Many countries in the region have developed long-term plans and policies, and have allocated funds to deal with ageing and the requirements of old age. Yet, while countries with rapid demographic ageing and high socio-economic development are far ahead and have introduced proactive measures, others – especially those still grappling with economic growth and tackling poverty – may not have such strategies in place.

These are among the findings of the Regional Review on the Implementation of the MIPAA in Asia and the Pacific; a document prepared by ESCAP to serve as a basis for discussion during the High-level Meeting and based on extensive information gathered from countries in the region. Organized by ESCAP with financial support from the Government of Macao, China, the High-level Meeting brought together about 100 participants, including representatives from various United Nations bodies and agencies, including UNFPA, ILO and WHO, and key non-governmental organizations working in the field of population ageing.

“Over the past five years, attention accorded to population ageing and efforts to align national actions with the MIPAA evolved considerably in the region”, commented Keiko Osaki, Chief, Population and Social Integration Section, Emerging Social Issues Division, ESCAP. “Some of the major achievements in the region are the strengthening of institutional arrangements and the establishment of national focal points on ageing”, she said.

Yet many challenges remain. Income security in old age, raising public awareness about the benefits of active ageing and inter-generational solidarity are among the primary concerns on the policy agenda of a majority of countries in the region.

“One of the critical issues to be addressed is finding ways to match the desire of many older persons to remain productive with the actual employment opportunities available for them. Many countries also recognize the impact of modernization, migration and changing family structures on families’ ability to care for older persons”, said Ms. Osaki. “Universal social security coverage is virtually non-existent in the region and wherever it exists, its sustainability is being questioned”.

Besides taking stock of the progress achieved in the region since the adoption of the landmark MIPAA in 2002, the High-level Meeting, held from 9 to 11 October, advocated concrete steps to improve social protection and increase accessibility to social services for older persons, especially those underprivileged.

The Macao Outcome Document, adopted by the Meeting during its closing session, paves the way for further progress in three priority areas; older persons and development, advancing health and well-being into old age, and ensuring enabling and supportive environments.

Among others, the Document urges Governments in the region to ensure sustainable and adequate retirement income and – in collaboration with other key development partners -- to raise awareness among younger generations about life-long preparation for old age and retirement, including in the areas of health and financial security. The need for data collection, research and studies focused on elderly issues is also highlighted in the Document.

Acknowledging the specificities of the Asian and Pacific context and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, it encourages the establishment of training programmes to further strengthen the capacities of informal caregivers and promotes the concept of “ageing in place”, through the development of age-friendly physical environments. ?The Document also urges Governments to promote social and economic equalities for all ages so that older persons, especially women living in poverty, have universal access to health care, hence giving them extended years of a quality life.

“It is essential for Governments in the region to start planning ahead for the socio-economic implications of ageing societies, with the understanding of the changing demands and needs of the future elderly population”, commented Ms. Thelma Kay, Director of the Emerging Social Issues Division of ESCAP in her concluding remarks.

Asia and the Pacific is the first region in the world to undertake the review and appraisal of the MIPAA, in compliance with the United Nations Commission for Social Development resolutions 41/2 and 44/1 to start its first review and appraisal of MIPAA implementation in 2007 and? to conclude it in 2008.

Home to over 60 per cent of the world population, the Asian and Pacific region now accounts for 410 million older persons. This number is expected to increase to 733 million in 2025 and to a staggering 1.3 billion by 2050.