On 18 July, the Asian Population and Development Association (APDA), together with the AFPPD Malaysia and with support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Asia and the Pacific Regional Office (APRO), organized the Regional Parliamentarians Meeting on Ageing Preparedness and Care Economy in Asian Region in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. More than 70 participants from 8 Asian countries, including parliamentarians, government officials, civil society organizations, and experts, attended the meeting to discuss not only how to address issues associated with population ageing, but also how to leverage ageing as an opportunity through technological innovations such as AI.

Main points discussed included:

• Even though women live longer than men on average and thus make up more than half of the population in older age groups, they are often subjected to ageism and gender discrimination, prevalent in both the social system and the workplace.
• Noting high costs of treatment, limited resources, financial burden faced by families due to lack of insurance coverage, it is imperative to strengthen social protection programmes and health care services; establish sustainable financing mechanisms; and create productive and decent jobs for older persons.
• The importance of a multifaceted approach to elder care that utilizes technology to eliminate the digital divide and enable older adults to live safe, healthy, and independent lives was highlighted.
• It is also important to recognize and value unpaid care work and promote shared responsibility within the framework of a care economy.
• Parliamentarians hold a crucial responsibility in proposing and endorsing legislation to safeguard the rights and well-being of older people, leading the development of inclusive policies that cater to the needs of the elderly, and serving as advocates to increase public awareness. Additionally, parliamentarians oversee the implementation of policies and programmes, ensure government agencies deliver effective services for the elderly, and hold them accountable.
• -It is essential to continue and develop a collaborative platform such as this one for sharing best practices and enhancing international cooperation, in order to prepare for the challenges posed by demographic changes and improve policies and programmes that support an ageing society.

■Inter Press Service (IPS)
Parliamentarians: Active Aging Enhanced By Using Artificial Intelligence | Inter Press Service