Dr Tine Buffel elected as expert member of WHO advisory group for UN Decade of Healthy Ageing 2021-2030

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With the adoption of the United Nation's (UN) Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030), countries have committed to 10 years of concerted and collaborative actions to improve the lives of older people (defined as age 60 years and over), their families and the communities in which they reside.

The goal of this new action plan, the Decade, is to optimize the functional ability of older people and contribute to the vision of long and healthy lives. The Decade addresses four, interconnected areas of action: a) change how we think, feel and act towards age and ageing, b) ensure that communities foster the abilities of older people, c) deliver person-centered integrated care and primary health services that are responsive to older people; and d) provide access to long-term care for older people who need it.

The Decade recognises the importance of strengthening data for measurement, monitoring and evaluation of the action plan as part of four enablers:

1. listening to diverse voices and enabling meaningful engagement of older people, family members, caregivers, young people and communities;
2. nurturing leadership and building capacity for integrated action across sectors;
3. connecting various stakeholders around the world to share and learn from the experience of others; 
4. strengthen data, research and innovation to accelerate implementation.

To this end, WHO has established a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to provide advice on the measurement, monitoring and evaluation of the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030) and programmes related to the action areas.

The TAG will have up to 20 members, who shall serve in their individual capacities to represent the broad range of sectors and disciplines relevant to the function of the group. The membership of TAG will seek to reflect eminent experts in the major areas of relevance such as epidemiology, geriatrics, gerontology, demography, community development, and statistics.

We are delighted to report that MICRA researcher and Manchester Urban Ageing Research Group (MUARG) Director, Dr Tine Buffel has been elected as a member of this eminent expert group.