Colombo, Oct. 14 -- The Member States of the WHO South-East Asia Region on Tuesday adopted the Colombo Declaration on 'Healthy ageing through strengthened primary health care, aimed at the health and well-being of its ageing population, which is expected to double by 2050.

Speaking at a ministerial roundtable during the ongoing 78th Regional Committee session, Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge for WHO South-East Asia, emphasised the importance of older people as valuable contributors to families, communities, and economies when they remain healthy and functional.

"Older people, when in good health and with functional ability, are vital assets and continue to enrich families, communities, societies and economies. Primary health care is...