2024-05-12-亚开行-亚洲老龄化状况良好_亚洲发展政策报告（英）_162页_6mb

Summary of Asian Development Policy Report: Aging Well in Asia

Introduction

• Asia and the Pacific is rapidly aging, with 55% of older people living in developing Asia.
• Four key dimensions of well-being for older adults are health, productive work, economic security, and social engagement, all interconnected.
• Challenges include high informal employment, gender inequality, low financial preparedness, and social isolation.
• Policy recommendations include lifelong learning, universal health coverage, strengthening pension systems, and community-based support.

Key Findings

Health and Wellness

• Life expectancy at 60 increased by 4–6 years across Asia.
• Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) affect 57% of older people in some economies.
• Mental health issues, such as elevated depressive symptoms, impact 31% of older adults.
• Universal health coverage must be strengthened to address both communicable and NCDs, and harmful traditional medicine practices must be tackled.

Work and Retirement

• 94% of older workers are in the informal sector, often lacking social protection.
• Labor force participation declines but varies by gender, residence, and education.
• Social engagement and well-being improve with flexible work arrangements.

Economic Security

• Financial literacy is low, with only 58% of adults financially literate in the region.
• Pension coverage is low, with room for matching programs惠及 informal workers.
• Early retirement ages need reconsideration, and skills training must be lifelong.

Social Engagement

• Living arrangements increasingly include solitary households (40–90% rise in some economies).
• Family care provision is heavier for women, risking their health.
• Intergenerational programs and volunteer activities promote social inclusion.

Policy Recommendations

1. Health and Longevity: Strengthen universal health coverage and expand prevention programs to combat NCDs and mental health issues.
2. Work and Retirement: Promote flexible work opportunities, reform pension systems to enhance portability and coverage, and address ageism in labor markets.
3. Economic Security: Leverage behavioral insights to boost retirement savings, ensure female labor force participation and financial inclusion, and strengthen caregiver support systems.
4. Social Well-being: Foster community-based care systems, age-friendly infrastructure, intergenerational bonds, and enhance digital connectivity/financial inclusion.

Demographic Impact on Growth

• Population aging reduces 2031–2040 GDP growth per capita by 0.2–0.4 percentage points across 12 Asian economies.
• Four key channels of impact: labor hours, capital accumulation, productivity via savings, and human capital development.

Ageing in Asia emerges as one of the biggest challenges for policymakers. Population ageing rates range from moderate in Vietnam to steeper in Georgia and Armenia. Inequalities based on gender, location, and education are compounded by concerns regarding old-age poverty and informal employment, which leave many vulnerable. Mental health and non-communicable diseases are primary healthcare challenges in developing Asia. Without comprehensive changes in policy frameworks—enhancing preventative healthcare, providing support for families, and safeguarding economic opportunities—significant untapped capacity exists within its aging demographic, particularly among women and marginalized groups, that could become a force multiplier for regional growth.

This report highlights that promoting well-being in later life is not merely an individual responsibility but a collective effort involving governments, families, and communities. As Developing Asia ages, the need to step up the effort to help people age well is not optional—it is critical for inclusive and sustainable development.