New report calls for stronger healthcare at all ages

Age International has launched a new report, ‘Universal Health Coverage for All Ages: An Agenda for Action’ which draws on evidence and experience from its work with older people around the world to make the case for stronger health systems that truly include older people.

Achieving ‘Universal Health Coverage’ for all is one of the key goals outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Age International’s new report highlights the health gap currently experienced by many older people, which limits their ability to experience good health and wellbeing in later life.

This is despite the fact we are living longer than ever before and the significant economic, social and human rights imperatives for improved healthcare for older people.

Featuring examples from Age International’s work with older people in communities around the world and stories from older people in Kenya, the report shares key lessons and recommendations for how better health for all can be achieved.

From ensuring that policy and research capture data on and voices of older people, to providing healthcare workers with adequate geriatric training, there are valuable learnings for policymakers and the wider UK international development sector.

Ann Keeling, Chair of Age International and founder of the NCD Alliance, provided the foreword to the report. She writes “…It is clear: investing in healthy ageing is an investment in the whole of society, and achieving universal health coverage is not possible without it”.