Asia's Aging Population Strains Healthcare

The proportion of individuals over 60 worldwide is projected to nearly double by 2050, with Asia's elderly population expected to triple to 1.2 billion by 2060. This surge will place over 60 percent of the world's older adults in Asia. Concurrently, non-communicable diseases among older adults are a significant global burden, contributing to nearly 2 billion cases, substantial life years lost, and millions of annual deaths.

Existing primary care systems often struggle to coordinate fragmented health, long-term care, and social support services. Expectations for primary care have expanded without adequate capacity or defined responsibilities. In countries like Thailand and Singapore, primary care acts as a gateway, while Malaysia and Indonesia face division between health and social welfare sectors, leading to poor coordination.

Across South Asia, families heavily support older adults, with formal systems playing a minor role. Many older individuals bypass primary care for hospitals due to a lack of confidence in managing chronic conditions. This reliance on hospitals strains healthcare systems and shifts burdens onto households.

Asia's health systems, despite variations in financing and social norms, face structural issues in readiness for aging populations. Moving beyond a narrow view of primary care and integrating different care elements is essential. Clarifying roles, aligning incentives, and building accountability are critical policy choices for ensuring the well-being of older adults and the sustainability of care.