Good practices repository

Database of good practices on ageing

Database

This database showcases good practices from countries and territories in Asia and the Pacific for implementing the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA). Select and filter by categories and sub-categories, country, type of instrument.

 

Total: 310 good practice(s).

What was implemented?

The Sehat Sahulat Programme (SSP) is Pakistan’s flagship social health protection initiative, designed to provide free inpatient healthcare particularly to poor and vulnerable citizens, of them most are older persons, by using a national health insurance model. It represents one of the country’s largest steps toward Universal Health Coverage. It was begun as a pilot initiative covering a few districts. Initially, it strictly targeted vulnerable populations but is subsequently expanded towards universal coverage. 

Who were the beneficiaries?

Originally, poor and vulnerable populations with envisaged expansion to a universal scheme. 

What were the results?

The programme expanded access to health care. 

How was it developed and implemented?

It was initiated as a pilot project in some districts covering only vulnerable populations and subsequently expanded to other population groups and other areas of Pakistan. 

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Who implemented it?
Government
Implementing/responsible entity:
Government of Pakistan
Categories:
Health and well-being (Age-inclusive health care)
Country:
Pakistan
Type of instrument:
Financial scheme
Year of implementation:
2020
What was implemented?

Elderly schools in Indonesia that represent a shift from traditional care to lifelong learning, these are informal education institutions aiming to create SMART seniors. Sehat (healthy) Mandiri (independent) Aktif (active) Realis (Realistic/Productive) Tangguh (Resilient). It is a three tier educational system, where seniors graduate each level. Tier 1 focuses on basic health and self-care, tier 2 focuses on knowledge of nutrition, mental health and social roles, and tier 3 is the advanced level where seniors learn digital literacy, vocational skills and community leadership. Seniors participate in a graduation ceremony after 6 to 12 months of completing all three tiers of the course.

Who were the beneficiaries?

Older persons in Indonesia

What were the results?

There were over 2000 Sekolah Lansia facilities across all 38 provinces. Seniors have a sense of empowerment and self-confidence after taking part in the courses. The digital literacy course in tier 3 created a space for the SatuSehat national app to be onboarded with seniors. Additionally, the schools served as a social space for elderly, combatting loneliness. Many elderly went on to become 'Elderly Ambassadors' in their own communities.

How was it developed and implemented?

Rather than building new schools, the government integrated these elderly schools into existing community groups (Bina Keluarga Lansia). 

What makes it a ‘good practice’?

This programme is highly replicable, with the ability to be implemented in both rural and urban areas. By holding a graduation ceremony, older persons are able to feel a sense of   accomplishment, pride and achievement for finishing the course. It combats the loneliness epidemic by creating a space that isn't home or the hospital, where elderly can socialize and learn.

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Who implemented it?
Government
Implementing/responsible entity:
National Population and Family Planning Board
Categories:
Health and well-being (Active and healthy ageing); Older persons and development (Participation of older persons); Work, the labour force, poverty and social protection (Life-long learning)
Country:
Indonesia
Type of instrument:
Programme
Year of implementation:
2021
What was implemented?

Senior Citizen Activity Centre (Pusat Kegiatan Warga Emas) was established as a dedicated community centre for older persons, providing a place for them to interact, participate in meaningful activities, and remain socially engaged.

The Garis Panduan Pusat Kegiatan Warga Emas (PKWE) was implemented as a formal guideline to standardize the administration, financial management, programme delivery and operational procedures of all Senior Citizens Activity Centres in Brunei Darussalam. It functions as a framework to ensure PKWE centres operate systematically and effectively as community support hubs for older persons.

Who were the beneficiaries?

Older persons in Brunei Darussalam

What were the results?

The Activity Centre provided seniors with a place to interact with peers, engage in activities, and continue learning, while also acting as a focal point that supports community involvement and strengthens relationships across generations and improves their quality of life.

How was it developed and implemented?

PKWE was implemented through multisectoral collaboration involving government agencies, private sectors, non‑governmental organisations and local communities. It is administered by an Administrative Committee made up of registered members, responsible for management, activity planning and financial governance. The Centre operates every working day for at least six hours, offering programmes in religion, arts, ICT, health, social recreation and entrepreneurship. Annual allocations from the Community Development Department fund official activities, while other agencies may support programme delivery.

The corresponding guideline was developed by JAPEM under the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports to support the growing number of PKWE centres across districts. It establishes criteria for centre formation, membership rules, committee structures, financial protocols, programme categories, health and safety standards and reporting systems. PKWE committees implement the guidelines daily, while JAPEM oversees compliance through monitoring, inspections and advisory roles.

What makes it a ‘good practice’?

The activity centre provides a holistic, inclusive and community‑centred approach to ageing. PKWE empowers older people to remain active contributors, supports healthy ageing, fosters meaningful participation, encourages lifelong learning and helps reduce ageism.

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Who implemented it?
Government
Implementing/responsible entity:
Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and communities
Categories:
Enabling and supportive environments (Age-friendly communities); Health and well-being (Active and healthy ageing); Older persons and development (Participation of older persons)
Country:
Brunei Darussalam
Type of instrument:
Service
Year of implementation:
2013
What was implemented?

A legislative framework aiming to protect the fundamental rights and social security of senior citizens. It establishes a legal responsibility of family members to maintain and care for them according to economic status. The act introduced a mandatory 50% discount on public transport and healthcare fees for elderly. It also created a decentralized committee structure, allowing local councils to oversee the protection and welfare of elderly citizens. The act was revisited in 2008 and again in 2022 for small amendments.

Who were the beneficiaries?

All Nepalese citizens over 60 years of age. There was a focus on incapable senior citizens, with mental or physical heath issues, and people without income or family.

What were the results?

The expansion of the non contributory Social Security Allowance provided the most change in Nepal, with around 2 million individuals aged 68 and up receiving 4000NPR (approx. 30$). The tiered discounts in healthcare allowed those aged 60-69 have 50% off healthcare, those 70-79 had a 75% discount, while those aged 85+ receive fully free healthcare. A Senior Citizen Card is held by over 75% of elderly individuals in Nepal, allowing them 50% off transport and aviation costs.

How was it developed and implemented?

This act was developed as a response to the restoration of democracy in Nepal. The government set the standards and the local municipalities were responsible for identifying the vulnerable seniors and registering them for the respective allowances.

What makes it a ‘good practice’?

The act translates traditional values into law, as it makes children have a legal requirement to take care of their parents. Additionally, as a result of the act, Nepal has created a non-contributory universal pension.

Supporting documents:

Senior Citizens Rules

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Who implemented it?
Government
Implementing/responsible entity:
Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens
Categories:
Discrimination, neglect, abuse (Abuse and neglect); Older persons and development (Rights of older persons)
Country:
Nepal
Type of instrument:
Law or act
Year of implementation:
2006
What was implemented?

The Senior Citizens Benefit scheme is a government-funded non-contributory transfer for all older persons aged 65 year or over. All Citizens and lifelong residents, regardless of employment or contribution history are covered.

Who were the beneficiaries?

All citizens and residence in Samoa aged 65 years or over. 

What were the results?

Improved income security for older women and men in Samoa. 

How was it developed and implemented?

The Senior Citizens Benefit Scheme (SCBS) in Samoa was developed as a government response to structural gaps in retirement income protection that emerged as the country’s economy and labour market changed in the late 20th century. In response, the Government of Samoa adopted a universal, non‑contributory approach to ensure basic income security in old age.

What makes it a ‘good practice’?

It provides income security for older persons and is especially beneficial for older women who often do not have access to contributory pension. 

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Who implemented it?
Government
Implementing/responsible entity:
Samoa National Provident Fund (SNPF), through a dedicated Senior Citizens Benefit Scheme Department within the Fund
Categories:
Work, the labour force, poverty and social protection (Social protection/income security)
Country:
Samoa
Type of instrument:
Financial scheme
Year of implementation:
1990
What was implemented?

The Senior Citizens Community Care Centers are a more modern form of the traditional senior centers of the past. The model is a holistic one stop service hub designed to act as a home away from home for the ageing population. The centers focus on active community based ageing and have three primary functions. 1) wellness and health, providing free medical check ups and distribution of assistive devices such as wheelchairs and canes, 2) social and recreational inclusion, having areas for activities such as ballroom dining and reminiscence therapy to combat cognitive decline, and finally 3) livelihood and inclusion, where seniors can attend digital literacy workshops like the Smart Millenniors Programme (another Filipino Good Practice), or skills training for those who wish to stay economically active.

Who were the beneficiaries?

Filipino citizens aged 60 and above

What were the results?

The centers have led to increased early detection of hypertension and diabetes, and lessened the need for institutionalized care, something that is already culturally unpopular in the Philippines. Seniors are able to combat isolation and loneliness, leading to longer and healthier lifespans by taking part in intergenerational storytelling at the centers. The centers also act as information hubs, increasing knowledge about government privileges and how to apply for Digital National Senior IDs.

How was it developed and implemented?

Developed as a modern evolution of traditional senior centers, making a shift from day centers to one stop service hubs implementing health, livelihood, and digital rights in alignment with the Philippine Plan of Action for Senior Citizens. It implemented through a multi-sectoral collaboration. The NCSC, Local Government Units, Department of Health, and private sector& NGOs all play a non-negotiable role.

What makes it a ‘good practice’?

The centers preserve dignity by allowing seniors to age in place, and by keeping seniors in a familiar environment, they combat depression many feel when being put into institutionalized care. Having one place where they can get everything done; health, finance and governance reduces travel burden that low-income or frail seniors face.

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Who implemented it?
Government, Others
Implementing/responsible entity:
National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) & Local Government Units & Department of Health
Categories:
Enabling and supportive environments (Age-friendly communities, Disability and age friendly environment)
Country:
Philippines
Type of instrument:
Case study
Year of implementation:
2024
What was implemented?

The Senior Internship, implemented by Maximus and the Ministry of Health and Welfare, is a programme that aims to promote employment and re-employment of older persons in the Republic of Korea by encouraging companies to hire older persons by supplementing their wages. Large companies, cooperatives, as well as public, small and medium-sized enterprises that want hire older persons are eligible for the scheme.

Who were the beneficiaries?

The program targets job seekers aged 60 and above, promoting their reemployment and vocational capability across all types of businesses—including large firms, public enterprises, SMEs, and cooperatives.

What were the results?

The programme supports thousands of older job seekers across Korea by incentivizing companies with subsidies of up to KRW 5.2 million, strengthening later-life employment, promoting intergenerational workforce inclusion, and enhancing seniors’ vocational reintegration through tailored onboarding and long-term retention support.

How was it developed and implemented?

Administered by Maximus Korea, the scheme is guided by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and delivered via partnerships with businesses, employment support centers, and university collaborations. It operates through formal agreements, enabling companies to consult experts and access regional support offices.

What makes it a ‘good practice’?

It strengthens senior employability through targeted financial incentives and wide eligibility across firm types, promoting intergenerational workforce integration and shifting societal perceptions of older workers.

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Who implemented it?
Government, Private sector
Implementing/responsible entity:
Maximus, Ministry of Health and Welfare
Categories:
Work, the labour force, poverty and social protection (Employment and re-employment)
Country:
Republic of Korea
Type of instrument:
Programme
Year of implementation:
2023
What was implemented?

The Senior Worker Support Package, implemented by the Singapoean Government, supports employers in implementing the key recommendations by the Tripartite Workgroup on Older Workers (TWG-OW). The package comprises of: the senior employment credit, CPF transition offset, senior worker early adopter grant, and the part-time re-employment grant.

Who were the beneficiaries?

The beneficiaries are senior workers in Singapore—Singaporean employees aged 55 and above—and their employers, particularly those supporting an ageing workforce through higher retirement/re-employment ages.

What were the results?

Employers received wage and CPF contribution offsets, along with grants of up to S$250,000, to support senior employment and flexible re-employment practices. These incentives helped retain and redeploy older workers, easing transitions to higher statutory retirement and re-employment ages.

How was it developed and implemented?

Developed by MOM following recommendations from the Tripartite Workgroup on Older Workers, the package was structured into four components—wage offsets, CPF offsets, and grants—to build organisational readiness. Implementation was phased through ministerial policy communications and integrated into annual Budget execution.

What makes it a ‘good practice’?

It is a targeted, multi-pronged policy instrument that incentivises employers to retain, retrain, and re-employ senior workers—ensuring inclusivity and productivity in an ageing workforce.

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Who implemented it?
Government
Implementing/responsible entity:
Government
Categories:
Work, the labour force, poverty and social protection (Employment and re-employment)
Country:
Singapore
Type of instrument:
Case study
Year of implementation:
2020
What was implemented?

The Seniors Back in Action (SEBA) training, implemented by the Ministry of Human Resources and Human Resource Development Corporation, is a Malaysian initiative aimed at empowering older persons in Malaysia. The training includes courses and learning opportunities that aim to provide older persons with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue employment opportunities, income generation or re-enter the workforce in different sectors.

Who were the beneficiaries?

The programme targets Malaysian senior citizens and retirees, aged 60 and above, aiming to enable their re-entry into the workforce or facilitate income-generation.

What were the results?

Since its inception, SEBA has helped thousands of seniors re-enter the workforce: from January to August 2025, 2,317 job-seeking seniors participated, of whom 265 were successfully placed in various sectors.

How was it developed and implemented?

Developed by HRD Corp under the government-led MADANI initiative, SEBA is realized through a call-for-proposals process, with training modules delivered by accredited providers via the Upskill Malaysia portal. Training spans 3 days to 3 months, and courses are both in-person and online.

What makes it a ‘good practice’?

SEBA exemplifies inclusive, demand-driven upskilling, empowering the elderly through tailored training and facilitating their economic participation—thus enabling a more active and dignified role for seniors in society.

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Who implemented it?
Government
Implementing/responsible entity:
Ministry of Human Resources (MOHR), Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp)
Categories:
Work, the labour force, poverty and social protection (Employment and re-employment)
Country:
Malaysia
Type of instrument:
Training or guidebook
Year of implementation:
2024
What was implemented?

The Seniors Go Digital programme, implemented by the Singaporean Digital Office and Infocomm Media Development Authority, offers training of digital skills to older persons in three tiers: (1) basic communication, (2) accessing government services and lifestyle apps, and (3) using e-payments and digital banking. The program provides guidance on using apps, social media and online services, with digital ambassaors offering one-to-one coaching at community hubs.

Who were the beneficiaries?

Beneficiaries span a wide demographic: seniors, youth, lower-income families, and persons with disabilities (PwDs)—in short, Singaporeans from all walks of life.

What were the results?

The programme has reached more than 270,000 beneficiaries through over 140 community-driven projects, enabled by over 130 public‑private‑people (3P) partners, as of November 2022.

How was it developed and implemented?

DfL was developed by IMDA to galvanise the community through a movement and accompanying fund. It empowers ground‑up initiatives with grants (via the Digital for Life Fund), mobilises partners from the public, private, and people sectors, and supports projects that increase digital access, literacy, and wellness.

What makes it a ‘good practice’?

It embodies a whole‑of‑society approach, combining community‑driven action, targeted support for vulnerable groups, and government facilitation—resulting in scalable, inclusive digital empowerment for all.

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Who implemented it?
Government
Implementing/responsible entity:
SG Digital Office, Infocomm Media Development Authority
Categories:
Older persons and development (Digital inclusion)
Country:
Singapore
Type of instrument:
Training or guidebook
Year of implementation:
2021

Suggested citation: ESCAP, Database of Good Practices on Population Ageing, available at: https://www.population-trends-asiapacific.org/repositories/good-practices

 

About

Policies are based on: Submissions from ESCAP members and associate members, and research by ESCAP staff, supported by AI tools, including using related databases.

Note: These good practices represent a selection of approaches to implementing MIPAA in Asia and the Pacific. There is no claim to completeness.

Categories & Design

Categories and sub-categories align with:

o Priority directions in the 2002 Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing
o Outcome document of the Asia-Pacific Intergovernmental Meeting on the Fourth Review and Appraisal of MIPAA (2022)

Tutorial

Watch a short video on how to use the database of good practices.

Acknowledgements

This database is brought to you by the collective efforts of the Social Development Division of ESCAP, focal points on ageing from ESCAP member States who submitted good practices as well as many collaborators who have compiled, drafted and edited content for this website as well as the technical team that has developed the database and ensures its functionalities. We also acknowledge the efforts made by ECE and their contributors to compiled a related database.

Related resources

You may also find the following databases and resources useful:

AARP Toolkit of Actions on Ageing

ECE Ageing Policies Database

UN Decade of Healthy Ageing Knowledge Platform

WHO Global Platform of age-friendly practices

Disclaimer

ESCAP bears no responsibility for the availability or functioning of external URLs. The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country. Mention of firm names and commercial products does not imply the endorsement of the United Nations.

Suggested citation: Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). Database of good practices on ageing. Online.