Driving equitable action on NCDs and healthy ageing to achieve health for all at all ages

Older people are the age group most at risk from NCDs, yet all too often they are left behind in policy and practice.

HelpAge's 14-page briefing, accompanied by a two-page overview with key messages, considers the intersection of older age with NCDs and disability, and their importance for health systems and societies alike. It outlines the unique challenges facing older people living with NCDs in low- and middle-income countries, and the barriers they face to accessing NCD prevention and care as part of integrated and person-centred health and care services that respond to their needs and rights.

As countries drive progress in commitments made in the Political Declaration on Universal Health Coverage in 2023, and look ahead to the Fourth High Level Meeting on NCDs, the briefing outlines key actions that governments and health actors at all levels must take to drive equitable action on NCDs as part of progress towards achieving UHC fit for an ageing world. This will ensure we meet the needs of older people whilst reaping the benefits of healthy ageing for individuals, systems and societies.