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News
Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly: Member States commit to urgently address social connection
During the 78th World Health Assembly, Member States adopted the historic resolution EB156/8, recognizing the crucial role that social connection plays in health and well-being for people of all ages. Social connection, an important determinant of health, is linked to other social, economic and environmental determinants, and its cumulative effects help shape people’s health across the life course. A lack of social connection is often associated with cardiovascular disease and mental health conditions, including depression, dementia and other types of cognitive decline. These impacts are felt not only by individuals but also by communities and societies.
New publication: Measuring the progress and impact of the UN Decade of Healthy Aging (2021-2030): framework and indicators recommended by WHO Technical Advisory Group
The WHO, in consultation with Technical Advisory Group for the Measurement of Healthy Aging (TAG4MHA), developed this guidance document that presents a comprehensive monitoring framework and a core set of indicators to track the progress and impact of the Decade at all levels. It outlines a clear path for Member States to develop and strengthen their related monitoring and evaluation systems, ensuring they are equipped to monitor progress effectively and drive actionable improvements in healthy aging initiatives.
Physical Activity Linked to Better Aging Outcomes
A new study published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity reveals that higher physical activity and reduced sedentary time are associated with slower declines in intrinsic capacity among older adults. These findings highlight the importance of active lifestyles in promoting healthy aging.
Events
2025 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: Addressing Mistreatment in Long-Term Care Facilities: Through Data and Action
- June 16, 2025
- 1:15–2:45 PM EDT
- Register
Organized by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), this year’s virtual international commemoration will be on June 16, 2025 and focuses on Addressing Abuse of Older Adults in Long-Term Care Facilities: Through Data and Action.
International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health: Updates in the Americas
- June 26, 2025
- 11:00 AM EDT
- Register
The International Classification of Functioning (ICF), developed by the WHO in 2001, is a standardized framework for describing health, functioning, and disability. It promotes a biopsychosocial model, acknowledging the interaction between health conditions and contextual factors. Widely used in clinical practice, policy-making, research, and social inclusion, the ICF plays a vital role in the Americas Region, where it's considered essential for addressing health and disability. Ongoing efforts, such as expert virtual meetings, aim to update and share best practices for its effective implementation.
WHO Commission on Social Connection: Report Launch
- June 30, 2025
- 9:00 - 10:30 AM EDT
- Register
Join the launch of the WHO Commission’s flagship report, which will provide evidence and strategic recommendations to reduce social isolation and promote connection as a public health priority.
PAHO launch of technical document: Long-term care for older people: package for universal health coverage
- July 15, 2025
- 10:00 - 11:30 AM EDT
- Register
As people live longer in the Region of the Americas, many do so with disabilities or dependency, increasing the need for long-term care (LTC). In response, PAHO Member States have adopted a Policy on LTC (2025–2034) to strengthen health and social protection systems and improve access to long-term care across the life course. To support its implementation, join the upcoming launch of the "Long-Term Care for Older People: Package for Universal Health Coverage”, to explore the document, hear from experts and country representatives, and contribute to building LTC structures that ensure dignity, equity, and well-being across the life course.
Consultation
Open Online Consultation: WHO Assistive Products Priority List (APL)
The WHO is organizing open online consultations to inform the update of the WHO Assistive Products Priority List (APL). The APL is a model list, which was first published in 2016 to support WHO Member States in strengthening access to assistive products through the establishment of national priority lists, according to priority assistive products for population need, including disabled people, older persons, and people with injuries and health conditions. With over 2.5 billion people in need of assistive technology globally, this update ensures the APL reflects current needs, technologies, and evidence. Stakeholder feedback is critical to ensure the updated APL is relevant and responsive to real-world priorities.
The consultation for the Region of the Americas will take place on Monday, 9 June 2025 11:00–13:00 (Washington, D.C. time), it is an opportunity for stakeholders to provide feedback on the preliminary updated APL. Participation is open to all, but registration is required. Please register online to receive the Zoom link and consultation materials.
Age-friendly cities and communities in the Americas
As of May 31st, there are a total of 991 cities and communities committed to be age-friendly in the Region of the Americas.
Our newest members include Simcoe County, Canada and Barva, Costa Rica. Welcome!
Interested in learning more about how to develop and implement initiatives to create age-friendly environments? Enroll in the Age-friendly environments virtual course offered by the PAHO Virtual Campus for Public Health.
To learn more about age-friendly initiatives in the Region and worldwide, please visit the WHO Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities webpage.
The State of Nuevo León, Mexico has taken a major step forward by committing multiple municipalities to the Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities. The following map highlights the committed municipalities.
