Asia Pacific’s ageing population faces rising chronic disease crisis as experts call for early action

Business Recorder reported on calls from health experts for Asia Pacific to prioritise prevention and earlier diagnosis as the population ages. Nearly 1.3 billion people in the region are projected to be over 60 by 2050, while chronic conditions including heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer are increasing pressure on health services and families. In 2020, Asia represented about 61% of stroke deaths worldwide, or roughly 4.1 million lives; without stronger prevention, the share could reach 69% by 2050.

Research published in The Lancet Public Health found that people globally spend an average of 10.7 years in poor health, up from 8.8 years in 1990. The report also highlighted Malaysia, where non-communicable diseases carry an annual economic burden of RM64.2 billion, around 4.2% of GDP, with about 80% tied to lost productivity. At a Kuala Lumpur forum, speakers urged governments to fund earlier detection and ongoing care, and to treat healthy ageing as part of economic planning.