The Rise of Innovative Ageing Policies: Which countries are Leading?

Earlier in May this year, a closed-door meeting of top ageing leaders shared the latest ageing policy updates at the policy day of the 14th World Ageing Festival in Singapore. The knowledge exchange across 7 countries analysed ageing policies across the Asia Pacific region, extending its purview to include the United Kingdom and Finland. The session concluded with participants having a deeper understanding of each countries latest health and ageing policies, strategies, and initiatives adopted and a shared vision to overcome the challenges presented by an ageing population. The key insights will be summarised in to the Ageing Asia White Paper 2023: Global Ageing Policies and shared with participants of the upcoming Australasian Ageing Masterclasses in Sydney (3 Oct) and Melbourne (5 Oct).

What are ageing policies?

Policies on ageing refer to strategies, laws, regulations, and other formal measures developed and adopted by governments and institutions to address challenges and opportunities associated with an ageing population. As many countries are experiencing significant increases in the proportion of seniors due to higher life expectancies and lower birth rates, these policies have become even more important for industry leaders across business, government and community to exchange insights and learn from different countries.

Key focus of ageing policies

1. Pension and Social Security Systems: Ensuring financial stability for seniors, making adjustments to retirement ages, and maintaining the viability of pension funds or annuities to enable passive income streams as longevity rises globally.
2. Healthcare: Adapting health systems to cater to the changing needs of seniors, which often has distinct and increased healthcare requirements. As seniors are living longer, long term chronic disease self-management management to increase health longevity is key.
3. Long-Term Care: Addressing the need for caregiving services, both in homes and institutional settings, for seniors who may not be able to care for themselves. Affordability due to rising longevity is an increasing challenge.
4. Employment: Encouraging and enabling seniors to remain in the workforce longer if they wish to, and combating age discrimination.
5. Housing: Developing suitable housing solutions for seniors across independent living, assisted living, nursing care, memory support and palliative care, and considering mobility challenges and the desire for many to age-in-place.
6. Social Inclusion: Promoting the social integration of seniors, preventing social isolation, and recognizing the contributions of older adults to society.
7. Infrastructure and Urban Planning: Adapting public infrastructure to be more accessible and senior-friendly, considering aspects such as public transportation, pedestrian areas, and public spaces.
8. Education and Lifelong Learning: Encouraging continuous learning and skills development throughout one's life.
9. Intergenerational Co-dependence: Promoting understanding and collaboration between generations, ensuring that the needs of both older and younger populations are met and mutually supported.
10. Research, Innovation and manpower: Investing in research to better understand the needs and challenges of an ageing population and to develop innovative solutions such as the growth of age tech market and data management to improve productivity and efficiency of a limited supply of care staff.

Key speakers of the Ageing Asia Policy Day included:

• Dr P?ivi Sillanaukee, Special Envoy for Health and Wellbeing, The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Government of Finland P?ivi Sillanaukee
• Mr Tan Kwang Cheak, CEO, Agency for Integrated Care, Singapore?kwangcheaktan
• Mr Tom Symondson, CEO, Aged & Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA), Australia Tom Symondson
• Mr Michael Voges, Executive Director, Association of Retirement Communities Operator (ARCO), the United Kingdom Michael Voges
• Dr Gengpong Tangaroonsanti, CEO of Chersery Home International & The Senizens in Thailand?Gengpong
• Mr John Collyns, CEO, Retirement Villages Association, New Zealand johncollyns
• Dr Maliki, Acting Deputy MInister for Population and Labour Affairs, Ministry of National Development Planning Agency, Indonesia
• Mrs Annissa Sri Kusumawati, Planner, Ministry of National Development Planning, Indonesia
• Mr Daniel Gannon, Executive Director, Retirement Living, Property Council of Australia Daniel Gannon
• Dr Kelvin Tan, Head of Programme, Minor in Applied Ageing Studies, Snr Lecturer, Master/PhD in Gerontology and Innovation, Singapore University of Social Sciences, Singapore drkelvintan

I am anticipating the insights from Ageing Asia's White Paper this October. The in-depth analysis promises to help shape the future of the aged-care sector in the Asia-Pacific region. - Ms Julianne Parkinson, CEO of the Global Centre for Modern Ageing, Australia

The chairperson of policy day, Mr Arthur Koumoukelis, Partner, Thomson Geer, Australia has co-authored the Ageing Asia White Paper 2023: Global Ageing Policies with Dr Kelvin Tan, Head of Programme, Minor in Applied Ageing Studies, Snr Lecturer, Master/PhD in Gerontology and Innovation, Singapore University of Social Sciences, Singapore, and Ms Janice Chia, Founder & Managing Director of Ageing Asia, Singapore.

New Policies are challenged by the speed of technology and rapid ageing societies. In order to provide for a more supportive environment which harnesses the power of technology, policy makers need to involve the team work of innovators and multi-disciplinary stakeholders. Building a robust care continuum that enhances the quality of care requires human development, adoption of best practices, resource optimization and financial planning. - Dr Kelvin Tan

The Australasia Ageing Masterclass 2023 in Sydney (3 Oct) and Melbourne (5 Oct) held in conjunction with the 12th Asia Pacific Eldercare Innovation Awards 2024 Global Launch, is a two-city event that delves into the future of aged and community care, exploring policy strategies and the transformative role of technology. The programme includes a comprehensive overview of the latest global and Australian ageing policy updates, technology innovations, new care models, market insights, capital markets, government reforms, innovative solutions, and evidence-based practices.

Hear from Mr Ian Yates AM , Interim Inspector-General of Aged Care, Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, Australia about Championing Innovation and Excellence in Support to an Ageing Population - the Role of the Inspector General of Aged Care. Gain insights from about latest in global technology and co-design trends from Dr Kelvin Tan and Ms Julianne Parkinson . Plus, hear the latest insights on how future design will impact quality of life and attraction of talent to the care workforce from Ms Julie Ockerby , Creative Director & Principal, Meli Studio, Australia.

Co-hosted between Ageing Asia, Singapore and Thomson Geer, Australia and chaired by Mr Arthur Koumoukelis, Partner, Thomson Geer, Australia. The masterclass is supported by Global Centre for Modern Ageing, Australia and in partnership with Tetsuyu Healthcare, Singapore.

The masterclasses held across both cites are an opportunity for industry participants to understand the nature and role of emerging innovations, but more importantly, how users are adopting the technology. - Mr Arthur Koumoukelis, Partner at Thomson Geer, Australia.

All retirement living, aged care, home and community care operators are invited to RSVP for complimentary access to the Masterclass and Whitepaper. Register by 30 Sept - First Come First Serve

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Arthur Koumoukelis Julianne Parkinson Julie Ockerby Janice Chia DrKelvinTan Ian Yates AM jim hazel Sylwin Angdrew Ada Cheng Cameron Holland George Margelis Catherine Daley Natasha Chadwick Li Lian Ng Luke Greive stephenbesciOAM Roberto Lozada Lee Martin, GAICD Paul Sadler Sue Jauncy