Measurements of healthy ageing: Measuring what matters to older people

Although people are living longer after the age of 60, the average length of time someone can expect to live in good health has not improved in many countries. This means more people are spending their older years in poor health or with disabilities. The collection of articles in this issue is a timely reaction to the growing need for greater knowledge and understanding about healthy ageing.
 
The biggest challenge in measuring healthy ageing has been the wide range of ways to collect and analyse data. The publication of this Special Issue on Measurements of Healthy Ageing will help to ensure that measurement concepts are clearly defined and offer a route to greater harmonisation of measurement approaches. 
 

The partnership between WHO and Age and Ageing journal marks a significant step towards changing the global perception of ageing and addressing knowledge gaps on measurement. By understanding and addressing the unique needs and abilities of older people, societies can progress towards a world where everyone ages with dignity and fulfillment.