Healthy Ageing
WHO defines healthy ageing as the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables wellbeing in older age. It is about what people can do and be, not simply the absence of disease.
Definition
Functional ability combines a person's intrinsic capacity (physical and mental capacities) with the environments they live in and how they interact with them.
- [Official source] WHO defines healthy ageing as developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables wellbeing in older age.
Why it matters
Because environments shape functional ability, cities, housing, transport and services all influence how well people age, which is why healthy ageing connects closely to age-friendly cities.
Practical action
Actions include integrated community-level care, removing environmental barriers, tackling ageism and supporting lifelong learning and participation.
- [Official source] Ageism is identified by WHO as a barrier to healthy ageing.
Sources
- World report on ageing and health — WHO (2015)
- Global report on ageism — WHO (2021)
Related
Jurisdiction: GLOBAL · Version 1 · Last reviewed 2026-09-24. SeniorHub is not affiliated with or endorsed by WHO or the UN.