The Challenge of Superaged Societies: A Call for Multidisciplinary Action

Dear Colleagues,

The global demographic landscape is undergoing significant changes. Countries such as Singapore, Japan, and many across Europe are rapidly transitioning into superaged societies. This means that more than 21% of the population is aged 65 and above. Moreover, these changes are not merely about extended longevity but, more importantly, living well against ageing landscapes.

Globally, there is evidence for an increase in life expectancy, but, unfortunately, this does not translate into increased health spans (i.e., the number of years lived in good health). On average, there is a 10-year gap between health span and life span. This means that while older adults will live longer, they will spend a significant portion of their later years living with chronic illness, disability, and a diminished quality of life. This gap between health span and life span represents a significant challenge for public health systems, clinical care, and social policy.

Much of the academic discourse in ageing research has a strong tendency to focus on the medical model of ageing. We see many research centres focusing on health outcomes, especially the burden of age-related diseases: chronic conditions, neurodegenerative disorders, mental health challenges, and physical frailty. Although these do strain health care systems, what remains is a critical gap in terms of more upstream interventions. This primarily concerns disease prevention, the promotion of well-being, extending the health span, and socio-environmental determinants of health.

The global transition into superaged status holds significance in the reshaping of societal structures. There is a global trend of low fertility rates, shrinking households, and social isolation, and these factors have a compounding effect on health challenges in ageing. With the lack of comprehensive reform, health policies may not be in sync with the changing realities of superaged societies. It is crucial to note that the challenges of ageing go beyond medical perspectives and are ingrained in socio-economic, social, and infrastructural environments. As such, we invite papers that address these areas along with the following, more specific, research questions:

1. Health care system sustainability and workforce capacity:
   1. How effective are models of integrated care, innovations in operations, or the management of care for older adults with complex needs?
   2. How should we evaluate interventions that mitigate psychological and cognitive impacts of ageing, and how do these support mental health and resilience?
   3. How can we utilise technology (i.e., AI, home sensors, telemedicine) to address challenges with ageing, such as ageing in place, social isolation, or increasing the health span?

2. Caregiving models, especially for those without family support:
   1. What sort of changes should occur in communities and urban environments to promote healthy lifestyles, well-being, and social inclusiveness among older adults?
   2. What is the role of intergenerational relationships and community networks for health and well-being in later life?
   3. What action can be taken to support the physical and mental health of older caregivers?

3. Social isolation and mental health in ageing populations:
   1. What are the social and environmental determinants of social isolation and its implications on health and well-being?
   2. What roles do social and infrastructural environments play in mental health and well-being for older adults?

4. Equitable access to health-promoting environments and services:
   1. What role do social environments play in determining healthy ageing?
   2. What are the mitigating factors in policy or practice for successful ageing that encourage equity of access?

We are particularly interested in multidisciplinary approaches, especially integrative perspectives from public health, medicine, social sciences, urban design, technology, and policy. This collaborative approach across disciplines is needed to assess ageing in a more holistic manner, considering that there are a myriad of socio-economic and environmental factors that determine health. It is through these approaches that we can build resilient and compassionate societies that empower individuals to age successfully and prepare nations to welcome a superaged society.

Prof. Dr. Paulin Tay Straughan
Dr. William Tov
Dr. Seonghoon Kim
Guest Editors

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• superaged societies
• healthy longevity
• health span
• health inequalities
• burden of care
• health care reforms
• preventive health care
• health care cost