All 53 countries in the World Health Organization’s European Region have agreed a new plan to help people live longer and healthier lives. They adopted it unanimously on 29 October 2026 in Copenhagen, at the 76th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe.
What the strategy is
The plan is called “Ageing is living”. It runs from 2026 to 2030. It works on two fronts: better health and care for people who are old today, and investing across the whole life course so the next generation reaches old age in better health.
WHO says the plan was shaped over almost two years of consultation with more than 3,000 people, including government officials, civil society, cities, experts and older people themselves.
Key facts
- Countries: all 53 Member States of the WHO European Region, adopted unanimously.
- Period: 2026 to 2030.
- Four priorities: preventing ill health and keeping people capable throughout life; transforming health and long-term care; creating age-friendly environments; and challenging ageism.
- How it will be delivered: training leaders, better data, support for innovation and investment, and a new WHO European network of collaborating centres for healthy ageing and care.
- Tracking: WHO mentions healthy ageing profiles for every member country and a regional dashboard on older people’s abilities and inequalities.
Dr Corinne Capuano, Officer-in-Charge at WHO/Europe, said living longer is worth celebrating, but what matters is whether people can spend those years in good health, stay connected and get care when they need it.
What this means for older Indians and families
India is ageing fast too. The India Ageing Report 2023 by IIPS and UNFPA counted about 149 million people aged 60 and above in 2022, or 10.5% of the population. It projects this will reach about 347 million, or 20.8%, by 2050.
The four European priorities are the same questions Indian families face: staying healthy for longer, finding good long-term care, living in homes and cities that suit older people, and being treated with respect rather than written off because of age. India already has steps in this direction, such as the Ayushman Vay Vandana hospital cover for everyone aged 70 and above. Europe’s plan shows how countries can set clear goals and track progress over five years.
Is your city, housing society or organisation becoming more age-friendly? Tell us at Share Your Story or email info@healthyageing.world. To work with us, visit Partner With Us.
This article is for information only and is not medical advice.
Sources: WHO/Europe, 29 October 2026; Down To Earth on the India Ageing Report 2023 (IIPS and UNFPA); ThePrint / PTI on Ayushman Vay Vandana.
