Beyond Healthcare: Social Support Systems for Independent Ageing

How can older adults live independently with dignity, security, and a strong sense of belonging?

Around the world, societies are grappling with the realities of rapidly aging populations, but the question of how to make independent living possible remains both urgent and complex. This session brings together insights from across Asia to explore what “independent living” really means for older adults—and how communities, policymakers, and service providers can make it a reality.

We will begin by unpacking the core services and supports that older adults need to remain in their homes and communities—ranging from accessible healthcare and safe housing to mobility solutions and opportunities for social connection. Case studies from diverse contexts will highlight the different ways local governments, NGOs, and private partners are stepping in to weave these supports together, and how the contrasting realities of urban and rural environments call for very different designs.

Participants will hear practical examples: how municipalities connect essential services, how family and community networks can be strengthened, and how technology is being leveraged to bridge gaps. At the same time, the session will surface the persistent challenges—limited budgets, workforce shortages, and uneven social capital—that stand in the way of scaling successful models.

A cross-country dialogue will then examine why some approaches succeed while others struggle. What are the critical factors that make independent living truly possible? What lessons can be adapted across different localities, and where are context-specific approaches required? The discussion will point toward actionable strategies to ensure that systems are not only built, but built to last—flexible, adaptive, and responsive to the evolving needs of older adults over time.

By the end of the session, participants will leave with:
– A clear understanding of the minimum services required for independent living.
– Awareness of the major gaps and challenges, and ways to address them

This is more than a panel—it is an invitation to co-create a future where aging is not a challenge to be feared, but an opportunity to build stronger, more connected, and more resilient communities.