The population in WHO South-East Asia Region is ageing rapidly. While the proportion of people aged 60 or above was 9.8% in 2017, it will be increased to 13.7% and 20.3% by 2030 and by 2050, respectively. The health issues older people face are diverse such as noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), mental health including dementia, and injuries and disabilities due to declining functional ability.

Action is needed to ensure all older people can access the health services they need, when they need them, without financial hardship. As the number of older people increase, the demand for primary care services that can screen, assess and manage clinical and functional comorbidities is increasing.