The world is ageing. Those demographic changes present many challenges, but also opportunities. Silver Economy ought to give the rights answers regarding the respect and wellbeing of the 60+.
HelpAge Asia and the European Union’s collaboration is a concrete example of what Silver Economy is, that is working together for a better care of the elderly.
A community-based solution
In January 2015, HelpAge East Asia and Pacific, along with the Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health of Thailand organized a regional workshop entitled “Community-based social care: What is the role of the State?”.
This event was partly sponsored by the European Union as part of the project ‘Strengthening the CSO Network on Ageing as a Development Partner in Southeast Asia.‘
The workshop gathered more than 75 experts from 12 countries in Bangkok, Thailand. Government representatives, social workers, academics and experts worldwide discussed strategies and good practices in order to address the challenges met by older people.
It was a good initiative to discuss the role governments should play, especially regarding social care services. Governments should provide the necessary guidelines, trainings and monitoring tools; older people associations should have a bigger involvement.
In order to allow people to stay at home for as long as possible and to keep their autonomy and health condition, a more community-based approach should be taken into consideration.
Who is HelpAge?
HelpAge is an international organization, working in more than 72 countries worldwide with the aim to improve the wellbeing of the elderly and to promote an active and healthy living. Furthermore, they advise older people to claim their rights and to overcome poverty, so that they can lead dignified, secure, active and healthy lives.
One of their offices, HelpAge East Asia and Pacific is particularly active, as the region is deeply marked by the ageing phenomenon: the proportion of the elderly is supposed to triple by 2050 and reach 1.26 billion. More precisely, one in four people will be aged above 60.
Published by the Editorial Staff on