{
  "id": 19935454,
  "title": "Asia Pacific’s ageing population faces rising chronic disease crisis as experts call for early action",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/14/asia-pacifics-ageing-population-faces-rising-chronic-disease-crisis",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-11-14T06:29:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Recorder",
    "slug": "business-recorder",
    "url": "https://www.brecorder.com/news/40448898/asia-pacifics-ageing-population-faces-rising-chronic-disease-crisis-as-experts-call-for-early-action"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.\n\nStroke 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.\n\nThe 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.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: With nearly 1.3 billion people in the region expected to be aged over 60 by 2050, health experts warn that longer life expectancy must be matched by stronger prevention, earlier diagnosis and better treatment. Asia Pacific may be living longer than ever before. Still, a growing burden of chronic diseases is raising concerns over whether people will remain healthy enough to enjoy…",
  "key_points": [
    "By 2050, Asia will have nearly 1.3 billion people over 60",
    "Stroke deaths in Asia projected to increase from 61% to 69% of global deaths by 2050",
    "Non-communicable diseases cost Malaysia's economy RM64.2 billion annually"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Shifting toward preventive care and early diagnosis is essential to mitigate the massive economic losses and healthcare burdens caused by the region's rapidly expanding population of older adults.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}