{"id":25640,"date":"2026-09-30T12:22:30","date_gmt":"2026-09-30T08:22:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/medscriptum.org\/?p=25640"},"modified":"2026-09-30T12:29:50","modified_gmt":"2026-09-30T08:29:50","slug":"healthy-ageing-in-georgia-the-time-to-act-is-now","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/medscriptum.org\/en\/healthy-ageing-in-georgia-the-time-to-act-is-now\/","title":{"rendered":"Healthy Ageing in Georgia: The Time to Act Is Now"},"content":{"rendered":"<p id=\"p-rc_6762ab00edc3ffc7-108\" data-path-to-node=\"5\"><span data-path-to-node=\"5,0\">Georgia&#8217;s population is ageing.<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"5,2\"> The process has been advancing steadily for years, and we are standing at a decisive moment.<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"5,4\"> Today, almost one in every six people in the country is 65 or older.<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"5,6\"> By 2030, the share of the population aged 65 and over will exceed 20 per cent.<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"5,8\"> This demographic transformation demands not only technical solutions but deep cultural and political shift.<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"5,10\"> How we respond today will determine the well-being, dignity and social participation of generations to come.<\/span><\/p>\n<p id=\"p-rc_6762ab00edc3ffc7-109\" data-path-to-node=\"6\"><span data-path-to-node=\"6,0\">The signs are unmistakable.<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"6,2\"> Georgia&#8217;s population is ageing rapidly, driven by increasing life expectancy, falling birth rates and the emigration of people in their reproductive age.<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"6,4\"> The consequences are far-reaching and will touch many areas of public life: the pension system, labour markets, healthcare, long-term care services and even the question of how cohesive and mutually supportive we will remain as a society.<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"6,6\"> Yet despite the clarity of the challenge and the urgency of responding to it, population ageing has still not emerged as a top national policy priority.<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"6,8\"> While certain aspects of population ageing are addressed within existing national policy frameworks, the absence of a comprehensive, human rights-based strategy on ageing remains a significant challenge.<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"6,10\"> Such a strategy is critical to ensure the rights, well-being, and dignity of older persons throughout the life course.<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"6,12\"> Its absence not only limits progress toward achieving dignified and healthy ageing outcomes for individuals but also weakens society&#8217;s capacity to respond effectively, inclusively, and sustainably to ongoing demographic changes and population ageing trends.<\/span><\/p>\n<p id=\"p-rc_6762ab00edc3ffc7-110\" data-path-to-node=\"7\"><span data-path-to-node=\"7,0\">This is not a challenge unique to Georgia.<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"7,2\"> It is a global trend, and many countries have already implemented coordinated, strategic policies on population ageing.<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"7,4\"> Georgia cannot afford to fall behind.<\/span><\/p>\n<p id=\"p-rc_6762ab00edc3ffc7-111\" data-path-to-node=\"8\"><span data-path-to-node=\"8,0\">The good news is that starting from scratch is not necessary.<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"8,2\"> The international community has already developed guiding frameworks for national action.<\/span><\/p>\n<p id=\"p-rc_6762ab00edc3ffc7-112\" data-path-to-node=\"9\"><span data-path-to-node=\"9,0\">The UNECE Rome Declaration on Ageing (2022), adopted recently and endorsed by Georgia, calls for a life-course approach to ageing, one that ensures people can age with dignity and remain active members of society.<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"9,2\"> The Declaration identifies three priorities: promoting active and healthy ageing across the full span of life; ensuring access to long-term care services; and supporting the participation of older people in all areas of public life.<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"9,4\"> It also calls on countries to combat ageism and to make health and social systems more responsive to the needs of older people.<\/span><\/p>\n<p id=\"p-rc_6762ab00edc3ffc7-113\" data-path-to-node=\"10\"><span data-path-to-node=\"10,0\">The UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021-2030), led by the World Health Organisation, sets global objectives in the same direction.<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"10,2\"> The WHO defines healthy ageing not merely as the absence of disease, but as \u00abthe process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables wellbeing in older age.\u00bb<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"10,4\"> The initiative&#8217;s four core areas of action are: combating ageism, creating age-friendly environments, improving integrated care, and strengthening long-term care systems.<\/span><\/p>\n<p id=\"p-rc_6762ab00edc3ffc7-114\" data-path-to-node=\"11\"><span data-path-to-node=\"11,0\">Despite these global commitments, their implementation at the national level in Georgia remains inadequate.<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"11,2\"> Fragmented initiatives are not enough.<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"11,4\"> What is needed:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul data-path-to-node=\"12\">\n<li>\n<p id=\"p-rc_6762ab00edc3ffc7-115\" data-path-to-node=\"12,0,0\"><span data-path-to-node=\"12,0,0,0\">Population ageing must be recognised as a national priority.<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"12,0,0,2\"> Demographic change should be reflected in public discourse, a cross-sectoral strategy must be developed, and sufficient resources must be allocated to ensure that systems are responsive to the rights and needs of older people.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p id=\"p-rc_6762ab00edc3ffc7-116\" data-path-to-node=\"12,1,0\"><span data-path-to-node=\"12,1,0,0\">Health and social systems must be reformed so that services become geographically and financially accessible and are adequately tailored to older people.<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"12,1,0,2\"> This includes, among other things: strengthening services for chronic disease, palliative care, and mental health; integrating a gerontological component into primary healthcare; improving the accessibility and quality of long-term care; supporting informal caregivers; developing community-based alternatives to institutional care; and coordinating health and social services.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p id=\"p-rc_6762ab00edc3ffc7-117\" data-path-to-node=\"12,2,0\"><span data-path-to-node=\"12,2,0,0\">Shifts in social attitudes must be actively encouraged.<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"12,2,0,2\"> Ageing is too often perceived as a burden; many people either fear it or ignore it entirely.<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"12,2,0,4\"> This framing must be rejected.<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"12,2,0,6\"> Life is not a sprint; it is a marathon.<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"12,2,0,8\"> Healthy ageing depends not only on how we live in old age but also on how we prepare for it throughout our lives.<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"12,2,0,10\"> What kind of old age do I want?<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"12,2,0,12\"> Perhaps, the answers to that question can guide both personal choices and collective decision-making.<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"12,2,0,14\"> Investment in health, prevention and education should begin early in life and continue into older age.<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"12,2,0,16\"> Older people must be seen not as passive recipients of care but as valued members of society, mentors, and citizens.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"p-rc_6762ab00edc3ffc7-118\" data-path-to-node=\"13\"><span data-path-to-node=\"13,0\">As the Rome Declaration puts it: \u00abOur societies are stronger, richer and more resilient when they enable and empower people of all ages.\u00bb<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"13\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-25638 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/medscriptum.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/lela-bqaradze-189x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"353\" height=\"560\" srcset=\"https:\/\/medscriptum.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/lela-bqaradze-189x300.png 189w, https:\/\/medscriptum.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/lela-bqaradze-264x420.png 264w, https:\/\/medscriptum.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/lela-bqaradze-150x238.png 150w, https:\/\/medscriptum.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/lela-bqaradze-300x477.png 300w, https:\/\/medscriptum.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/lela-bqaradze.png 448w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 353px) 100vw, 353px\" \/><\/p>\n<p id=\"p-rc_6762ab00edc3ffc7-119\" data-path-to-node=\"14\"><span data-path-to-node=\"14,0\">Change is possible.<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"14,2\"> Many countries around the world are implementing innovative approaches that place the dignity, autonomy and active participation of older people at the centre of ageing policy.<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"14,4\"> These efforts go beyond traditional care; they reflect a broader understanding that ageing should not be framed as a problem, but as a natural stage of life that deserves support and recognition.<\/span><\/p>\n<p id=\"p-rc_6762ab00edc3ffc7-120\" data-path-to-node=\"15\"><span data-path-to-node=\"15,0\">Japan offers a compelling example.<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"15,2\"> Home to one of the world&#8217;s oldest populations, Japan has developed community-integrated care systems that enable older people to remain in their own homes and communities for as long as possible, without needing to transition to institutional care.<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"15,4\"> These systems bring together medical services, nursing support, home assistance, meal delivery, social activities and mental health care, all coordinated at the local level.<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"15,6\"> The emphasis is on preserving independence, reducing isolation and tailoring care to the individual.<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"15,8\"> As a model that combines care, compassion and efficiency in equal measure, Japan&#8217;s approach has become a global benchmark in ageing policy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p id=\"p-rc_6762ab00edc3ffc7-121\" data-path-to-node=\"16\"><span data-path-to-node=\"16,0\">Poland&#8217;s approach is oriented more strongly towards social engagement and intergenerational solidarity.<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"16,2\"> Cities such as Krak\u00f3w host an annual Senior Festival, including a joyful \u00abHat March\u00bb in which older residents parade through the city in colourful, creative headwear.<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"16,4\"> But the effort extends well beyond symbolic gestures: Poland also invests in activity centres for older adults, lifelong learning programmes, and platforms that connect young people and older adults, enabling knowledge, experience, and values to be shared across generations.<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"16,6\"> These initiatives challenge age-based stereotypes and foster mutual understanding between generations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p id=\"p-rc_6762ab00edc3ffc7-122\" data-path-to-node=\"17\"><span data-path-to-node=\"17,0\">What these examples make clear is that healthy ageing is not only about medicine or infrastructure, it is about a sense of belonging, of contributing to community life, and of individual dignity.<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"17,2\"> When older people are empowered to remain engaged, connected and active, the whole of society benefits.<\/span><\/p>\n<p id=\"p-rc_6762ab00edc3ffc7-123\" data-path-to-node=\"18\"><span data-path-to-node=\"18,0\">Georgia can learn from these approaches and develop its own model, shaped by its own realities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p id=\"p-rc_6762ab00edc3ffc7-124\" data-path-to-node=\"19\"><span data-path-to-node=\"19,0\">Positive examples already exist within Georgia.<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"19,2\"> The municipalities&#8217; 60+ Healthy Lifestyle Clubs show how local governments can support active ageing and intergenerational dialogue.<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"19,4\"> But initiatives like these must grow from isolated projects into a unified national programme.<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"20\"><b data-path-to-node=\"20\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">A Society for People of All Ages<\/b><\/p>\n<p id=\"p-rc_6762ab00edc3ffc7-126\" data-path-to-node=\"22\"><span data-path-to-node=\"22,0\">How we treat our older citizens reflects the values of our society.<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"22,2\"> A society that respects age, that plans and acts to strengthen its resilience in the face of demographic change, and that ensures the well-being of all people, young and old, will be more just, more resilient and humane.<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"22,4\"> The will to act is what is needed now.<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"22,6\"> Every citizen, young and old alike, should have the opportunity to live not only longer, but better.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Georgia&#8217;s population is ageing. The process has been advancing steadily for years, and we are standing at a decisive moment. Today, almost one in every six people in the country is 65 or older. By 2030, the share of the population aged 65 and over will exceed 20 per cent. This demographic transformation demands not [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":25639,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1594],"tags":[7222],"class_list":["post-25640","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-news","tag-healthy-ageing"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/medscriptum.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25640","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/medscriptum.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/medscriptum.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medscriptum.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medscriptum.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25640"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/medscriptum.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25640\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25642,"href":"https:\/\/medscriptum.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25640\/revisions\/25642"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medscriptum.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25639"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/medscriptum.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25640"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medscriptum.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25640"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medscriptum.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25640"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}