7 April 2012 -- Ageing and health - to which each and every one of us can relate - is the theme of this year's World Health Day. Using the slogan "Good health adds life to years", campaign activities and materials will focus on how good health throughout life can help older men and women lead full and productive lives and be a resource for their families and communities.
Over the past century life expectancy has increased dramatically and the world will soon have more older people than children. Populations are ageing everywhere, but less-developed countries are witnessing the fastest change. This social transformation represents both challenges and opportunities. In particular, countries may only have a single generation to prepare their health and social systems for an ageing world.
Message of the Regional Director, Dr Luis Gomes Sambo, on the occasion of World Health Day 2012
World Health Day 2012 Toolkit
Toolkit for event organizers (208.37 kB)
This Toolkit will help you plan activities to celebrate World Health Day in 2012. It includes the following materials:
- information on ageing and health, including population trends;
- key messages and calls to action;
- ideas for planning and implementing events and campaigns;
- a list of communications materials you can use;
- tips on how to effectively engage audiences through social and traditional media; and
- contacts for technical and communications support.
Anyone who wishes to organize World Health Day events or activities is welcome to use the Toolkit and its materials. Our partners include governments, members of the WHO Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities, and non-member cities and communities who wish to become age-friendly. Individuals, academia, professional and older people's associations, civil society and private sector organizations may also find inspiration for action on ageing and health.