Highlighting the Lived Experiences of Older People and Bridging Policy Gaps for Healthy Ageing
1
International Federation on Ageing, Toronto, Canada
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A98
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
The proportion of the global population aged 65 years and older is projected to rise from 12% in 2015 to 22% by 2050 1 Population ageing presents societal challenges, including increasing prevalence of disease, rising health and social care needs, strain on care systems, growing reliance on informal caregiving and pressures on social protection. Persistent ageism and the exclusion of older adults from policy processes further exacerbate these challenges. Understanding older adults lived experiences is critical to informing policies that promote inclusion, participation, and healthy ageing. This roundtable will explore key gaps and identify actionable public health policy priorities.
METHODS:
In 2025, the International Federation on Ageing (IFA) conducted a global survey of 911 adults aged 60–94 across 58 countries, representing all six WHO regions. The survey captured perspectives on social inclusion, ageism, health care access, long-term care, and caregiving.
RESULTS:
Findings indicate that older adults perceive themselves as having valuable contributions, yet many feel undervalued, experience ageism in policy and consultation, and report limited positive media representation. While intergenerational activities support inclusion for some, barriers remain, particularly in transportation, access to information, and participation in rural areas. Health care is widely perceived as inadequate due to high costs, long waits, variable quality, and limited preventive care. Gaps in long-term care systems persist, and the burden of informal caregiving is substantial, with many providing care while also requiring support themselves.
CONCLUSIONS:
The survey highlights a persistent gap between global policy and local implementation. This roundtable will engage attendees in reflecting on the insights of older adults and the ageing sector and discussing strategies to address public health gaps. Emphasis will be placed on translating findings into actionable public health policy priorities that address ageism, strengthen health and long-term care systems and advance healthy ageing.
The proportion of the global population aged 65 years and older is projected to rise from 12% in 2015 to 22% by 2050 1 Population ageing presents societal challenges, including increasing prevalence of disease, rising health and social care needs, strain on care systems, growing reliance on informal caregiving and pressures on social protection. Persistent ageism and the exclusion of older adults from policy processes further exacerbate these challenges. Understanding older adults lived experiences is critical to informing policies that promote inclusion, participation, and healthy ageing. This roundtable will explore key gaps and identify actionable public health policy priorities.
METHODS:
In 2025, the International Federation on Ageing (IFA) conducted a global survey of 911 adults aged 60–94 across 58 countries, representing all six WHO regions. The survey captured perspectives on social inclusion, ageism, health care access, long-term care, and caregiving.
RESULTS:
Findings indicate that older adults perceive themselves as having valuable contributions, yet many feel undervalued, experience ageism in policy and consultation, and report limited positive media representation. While intergenerational activities support inclusion for some, barriers remain, particularly in transportation, access to information, and participation in rural areas. Health care is widely perceived as inadequate due to high costs, long waits, variable quality, and limited preventive care. Gaps in long-term care systems persist, and the burden of informal caregiving is substantial, with many providing care while also requiring support themselves.
CONCLUSIONS:
The survey highlights a persistent gap between global policy and local implementation. This roundtable will engage attendees in reflecting on the insights of older adults and the ageing sector and discussing strategies to address public health gaps. Emphasis will be placed on translating findings into actionable public health policy priorities that address ageism, strengthen health and long-term care systems and advance healthy ageing.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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