During the “Regional summit on policy innovation for healthy ageing in the WHO European”, hosted by World Health Organization (WHO) Europe in Lisbon, Portugal, on 10–11 October 2023, the Lisbon Outcome Statement was launched. The Statement acts as a concise guide, encapsulating the key priorities and actions outlined during the Regional Summit, identifying key areas for work to ensure a good quality of life for older people. It advocates a life-course approach to healthy ageing, noting the importance of embedding development and maintenance of functional abilities. Furthermore, it recognises the diverse capacities and life experiences of older adults, whilst noting the need to address persistent inequities tied to socioeconomic status, gender, disability, ethnicity and other social determinants of health.
It also contains references to dementia and cognitive issues, including:
• 3A (iii) development and implementation of comprehensive plans for mental and brain health, including neurodegenerative conditions and dementia, to ensure equitable access to prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care services;
• 3B (iv) addressing intersectionality of disability and ageing, and supporting individuals with physical, cognitive and mental impairments, along with their families and caregivers who provide a pivotal caring role for older people with comorbidities, including cognitive impairment.
The full statement can be read at: https://www.who.int/europe/publications/m/item/lisbon-outcome-statement
