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

Asia's rapidly ageing population faces an escalating crisis of chronic diseases, with experts urging proactive measures to ensure healthier lives despite longer lifespans. By 2050, nearly 1.3 billion people in the region will be over 60, necessitating a shift from reactive treatment to prevention, early diagnosis and sustainable healthcare approaches. Cardiovascular diseases, stroke, diabetes and cancer are placing burdens on healthcare systems, families and economies, with experts calling for fundamental changes.

Stroke is particularly concerning, accounting for approximately 61% of global stroke deaths in 2020, with potential increases to 69% by 2050. In 2023, Malaysia's National Health and Morbidity Survey found that one in three adults had high cholesterol, with half unaware of their condition. Dr Maria Borentain, Global Vice President at Bayer, emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and prevention to maintain health and independence.

The economic case for healthy ageing is substantial, with stroke alone costing the global economy over $890 billion annually and projected to reach $2.31 trillion by 2050. In Malaysia, non-communicable diseases cost the economy RM64.2 billion annually, with 80% attributed to lost productivity. Leaders at the Silver Economy Forum 2026 stressed that healthy ageing is a crucial investment in economic development, requiring collaboration between health and finance ministries to sustain preventive programmes.