The HelpAge global network responds to the zero draft political declaration for the 2025 UN high-level meeting on NCDs and mental health.
We welcome the draft’s focus on leadership, equity and integrated, people-centred care. We’re especially encouraged by references to older people, long-term care and the life-course approach.
But we’re concerned by the lack of meaningful commitment to:
- Healthy ageing and the disproportionate burden of NCDs on older people
- The intersection of NCDs with ageing, disability, and gender
- A rights-based, inclusive health and care system that provides the full continuum of care – from prevention to palliative support
- Stronger, disaggregated data systems that include older people
We urge Member States to build on previous commitments and remove ageist and discriminatory language like “premature mortality,” which marginalises people over 70.
This is a crucial moment to get it right. As populations age, action on NCDs must reflect the reality and needs of older people, now and in the future.
We should all be able to enjoy healthy ageing.
Everyone’s right to health, to live independently and to participate in society must be protected and promoted. We all want to be able to stay physically and socially active, to feel connected to our communities and to thrive, whatever our age or circumstances.