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.

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Total: 392 good practice(s). Download

What was implemented?

Singapores Active Ageing Programmes (AAPs), implemented by the Government and Ministry of Health, aims to holistically improve the physical, mental and social wellness of older persons aged 60 and above. These programmes have been rolled out nationwide at community nodes to enhance accessibility of the programme to seniors, with 600 community partners having hosted AAPs as of March 2020.

Who were the beneficiaries?

Older persons aged 60 and above across Singapore, benefiting from improved physical, mental, and social wellness through nationwide community-based programmes.

What were the results?

“The Care Centres Act 1993 sets the minimal standards and provides for the registration of care centres in the country.”

How was it developed and implemented?

Implemented by the Health Promotion Board (HPB) and People’s Association (PA) to drive regular participation across active-ageing domains (physical, social, mental), and rolled out nationwide at community nodes to maximize access. Part of a whole-of-government, whole-of-society strategy under the Action Plan for Successful Ageing, developed through extensive public consultations and inter-agency collaboration.

What makes it a ‘good practice’?

This programme holistically supports the physical, mental, and social wellness of seniors aged 60+, delivered through a nationwide, community-based network of around 600 partners to maximise accessibility. Implemented under a coordinated inter-agency framework by the Health Promotion Board and People’s Association within the national ageing blueprint, it tracks measurable outcomes—such as reach and partner engagement—and integrates with complementary initiatives like Project Silver Screen for functional screening.

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Who implemented it?
Government
Implementing/responsible entity:
Government of Singapore, Ministry of Health
Categories:
Older persons and development (Comprehensive policy frameworks)
Country:
Singapore
Type of instrument:
Programme
Year of implementation:
2015
What was implemented?

Kazakhstan has launched a network of Active Longevity Centers nationwide to support the social integration of elderly adults and promote active lifestyle through a comprehensive approach for body and mind. The establishment of Active Longevity Centers is a central element of the 'Action Plan for improving the situation of senior citizens "Active Longevity" until 2025'. The centers offer free cultural, creative, physical, and educational activities for retirees to improve physical and mental well-being. People of retirement age can receive a physical and mental check-up, attend dance and vocal classes, chess, Kazakh and English lessons, creative arts, handicrafts, IT literacy, gardening therapy, memory-enhancement techniques etc. - free of charge. These centers are designed to encourage positive thinking and active engagement in life, which can ultimately extend longevity and prevent loneliness and stress.

Who were the beneficiaries?

Citizens of Kazakhstan that have reached pension age.

What were the results?

As of 2025, the network of Active Longevity Centers has increased to 127 across Kazakhstan.

How was it developed and implemented?

In 2021, the Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Republic of Kazakhstan approved the 'Action Plan for Improving the Situation of Senior Citizens "Active Longevity" until 2025', kickstarting a comprehensive, integrated approach in line with international standards and recommendations such as the Madrid International Plan on Ageing (MIPAA). One core implementation approach of the Action Plan was the establishment of Active Longevity Centers across Kazakhstan. They have since been confirmed as a core implementation approach also in the next 'Action Plan on Improving the Situation of Senior Citizens until 2029'.

What makes it a ‘good practice’?

Active Longevity Centers are contributing to the formation of a "third-age community" as retirees form new social bonds, upgrade their financial, legal, and digital literacy skills, and partake in sports, cultural and tourism activities. It is a holistic approach to longevity addressing challenges from loneliness to health to learning important skills in fast transforming societies.

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Who implemented it?
Government, Non-government institution, Academic
Implementing/responsible entity:
Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Republic of Kazakhstan; with contributions from the Ministries of Health, Culture and Sports, and local executive bodies
Categories:
Enabling and supportive environments; Health and well-being; Older persons and development
Country:
Kazakhstan
Type of instrument:
Case study
Year of implementation:
2021 (national scaling through respective action plan); first pilot in 2018 by Kumis Khasyr Foundation and Department of Social Employment, Almaty City
What was implemented?

Adult Day Care Centers, implemented by the National and Local Türkiye Governments, aims to improve living environments for older persons who have dementia or Alzheimers Disease. These centers offer leisure activities, provide assistance, guidance and professional counseling and supporst them through their daily activities, whilst enriching their social and psychological well-being.

Who were the beneficiaries?

Older persons in Türkiye (primarily 65+, some services 60+), including low-income seniors, those needing home or long-term care, and their families/caregivers.

What were the results?

The programme supports older persons nationwide—e.g., YADES operates in 13 metropolitan cities—expanding home/day care, simplifying access to health, social assistance and transport concessions, and improving rights awareness through a single, user-friendly guide and 24/7 hotlines.

How was it developed and implemented?

The Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Services compiled a national, rights-based guide that consolidates scattered rules and entitlements for seniors. Implementation is multi-sectoral: Social Assistance and Solidarity Foundations assess eligibility and deliver cash/in-kind aid; the Ministry of Health and Home Health Units provide home health, palliative and vaccination services; Provincial Directorates and municipal partners deliver home care and day services; long-term care is provided via public/private nursing homes and “Elderly Living Homes.” Access pathways are standardized—e-government, PTT payments, foundation applications, and national call centers (Alo 183; 444 38 33). The YADES programme channels Ministry funds to municipalities to scale home/day care and ageing-in-place supports.

What makes it a ‘good practice’?

It turns a complex service ecosystem into one clear, accessible entry point, grounded in human-rights principles and inter-agency coordination, with practical access channels (hotlines, e-gov, local foundations) that reduce barriers for older persons.

Supporting documents:

Ministry of Family and Social Services, “Ministry has prepared ‘Services Application Guide’” (online article discussing the Information Guide for Older Persons, 2020), available on the official aile.tr website. *Active Living Center

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Who implemented it?
Government
Implementing/responsible entity:
National and local governments
Categories:
Enabling and supportive environments (Support to caregivers)
Country:
Türkiye
Type of instrument:
Programme
Year of implementation:
2020
What was implemented?

China launched a national initiative in 2020 to improve the accessibility and usability of internet applications for older persons and persons with disabilities. The initiative promotes age-friendly and accessible transformation of websites and mobile applications (APPs), supported by dedicated technical design standards. In 2021, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology further established an implementation mechanism covering technical standards, assessment and evaluation, accessibility certification, corporate credit incentives and dissemination of results. The initiative addresses barriers experienced by older internet users through measures such as adjustable font sizes, simplified interfaces, improved contrast, voice-reading functions, accessible verification methods and safeguards for personal information.

Who were the beneficiaries?

Older persons and persons with disabilities who use websites, mobile applications and other internet-based services.

What were the results?

Since the launch of the initiative in 2020 and its systematic implementation from 2021 onwards, age-friendly and accessible transformation has been progressively implemented across websites and mobile applications in multiple sectors. The initiative has produced concrete results in improving older persons’ access to digital services. In health care, the online appointment registration success rate among older patients at Peking Union Medical College Hospital increased to 75 per cent. In transportation, the senior-friendly version of Didi recorded more than 300,000 orders per day. In financial services, the age-friendly version of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China’s mobile banking application contributed to a 60 per cent reduction in relevant risks. These examples illustrate how the national framework has been translated into practical age-friendly digital services across health care, transportation and financial services.

How was it developed and implemented?

The initiative was launched through the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's 2020 Special Action Plan for Age-Friendly and Accessible Transformation of Internet Applications. In 2021, implementation was strengthened through detailed technical specifications for websites and mobile applications and a standardized assessment framework. The Internet Society of China provides technical guidance and assessment support for websites, while the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology performs corresponding functions for mobile applications.

What makes it a ‘good practice’?

The initiative goes beyond encouraging companies to make voluntary age-friendly modifications by establishing a comprehensive implementation and accountability mechanism. It combines technical design standards with user-centred assessment, independent technical evaluation, certification, continuing monitoring and corporate credit incentives. Older persons and persons with disabilities are directly incorporated into the assessment process through user satisfaction evaluations, ensuring that accessibility is evaluated not only through technical compliance but also through users’ actual experiences. The combination of national standards and implementation by public, technical and private-sector actors provides a scalable approach to reducing digital exclusion.

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Who implemented it?
Government
Implementing/responsible entity:
Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (lead); provincial communications administrations; China Academy of Information and Communications Technology; Internet Society of China; telecommunications operators; and participating internet companies
Categories:
Older persons and development (Digital inclusion)
Country:
China
Type of instrument:
Programme
Year of implementation:
2020
What was implemented?

The Age-friendly enterprises programme, implemented by the Government of the Republic of Korean and Ministry of Health and Welfare, is a project focused on creating stable and sustainable jobs for the elderly. This programme recognises companies that hire older persons, by designating companies that employ a large number of elderly people as senior-friendly.

Who were the beneficiaries?

Older persons aged 60+ who gain access to paid jobs; and employers (companies, cooperatives, individual entrepreneurs) that hire many 60+ workers and receive grants/consulting after designation.

What were the results?

The Senior-Friendly Companies initiative continues to grow, reaching 338 designated firms by 2022 and adding 27 more in the first half of 2024, supported by KRW 1.75 billion in grants.

How was it developed and implemented?

Led by the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) and implemented by KORDI. Employers apply via open calls; MOHW screens and designates firms. Designated firms commit to hiring targets for workers 60+ and receive financial support (up to KRW 300 million), management consulting, preferential purchasing, and bid score benefits. The 2022 EIEC notice set a rolling call (Jan 10–Jun 30) inviting companies, cooperatives, and sole proprietors.

What makes it a ‘good practice’?

The Senior-Friendly Companies initiative represents a targeted approach to private-sector job creation for seniors, with clear eligibility criteria and measurable outputs such as the number of designated firms and grant volumes. Since its launch in 2011, it has maintained a sustained, scalable design, with hundreds of firms designated and continued expansion. The programme offers an integrated support package—including grants, consulting, and procurement or bid incentives—that enables firms to sustain senior employment beyond short-term subsidies.

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Who implemented it?
Government
Implementing/responsible entity:
Government of the Republic of Korea, 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:
2022
What was implemented?

Hawker Centers in Singapore have become intangible cultural heritage, creating diverse community spaces. Efforts have been made to make hawker centers accessible and age-friendly, including with places to place a stick or other assistive devices, make them accessible for people with visual impairments etc. 

Who were the beneficiaries?

People of all ages in Singapore.

What makes it a ‘good practice’?

Hawker centers provide access to food at low-cost, demonstrate the diversity of Singapore and through regulation food safety is ensured. Hawker centers also provide a low-cost community space where people of all ages can gather and are often used as a community-space by older persons. 

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Who implemented it?
Government, Private sector
Implementing/responsible entity:
National Environment Agency (NEA) as regulator
Categories:
Enabling and supportive environments (Age-friendly communities, Disability and age friendly environment)
Country:
Singapore
Type of instrument:
Case study
Year of implementation:
N/A
What was implemented?

The Social Welfare Bureau developed the Guidelines for Age-friendly Home Modifications in Macao to improve the safety and accessibility of home environments for older persons. The guidelines provide practical recommendations on barrier-free design, fall prevention, lighting, bathroom and kitchen modifications, assistive devices and smart home technologies. To facilitate public understanding and adoption, an Age-friendly Home Demonstration Centre was established to showcase practical home modification solutions and assistive technologies in a simulated residential setting.

Who were the beneficiaries?

Older persons, family caregivers, home designers, social service providers, healthcare professionals and organisations involved in age-friendly housing.

What were the results?

The initiative established the first comprehensive technical guidance on age-friendly home modifications in Macao, China, and introduced a public demonstration centre where visitors can experience assistive devices, smart home technologies and accessible home designs. The programme has strengthened public awareness of home safety and provided practical reference materials for professionals, service providers and households undertaking home modifications.

How was it developed and implemented?

The Social Welfare Bureau developed the guidelines in response to the growing needs of an ageing population and the increasing importance of ageing in place. The guidelines were prepared by integrating international age-friendly design principles with local housing characteristics. A demonstration centre was established to translate the guidelines into practical examples, allowing older persons, caregivers and professionals to experience home modifications and assistive technologies in a realistic residential environment while supporting wider adoption of age-friendly housing practices.

What makes it a ‘good practice’?

The initiative combines technical guidance, public education and practical demonstration to promote safer and more accessible home environments for older persons. By integrating universal design principles with smart technologies and local implementation tools, it supports ageing in place and provides a replicable model for other ageing societies seeking to improve residential environments.

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Who implemented it?
Government
Implementing/responsible entity:
Social Welfare Bureau, Government of Macao, China
Categories:
Enabling and supportive environments (Age-friendly communities, Ageing in place/housing, Disability and age friendly environment)
Country:
Macao, China
Type of instrument:
Programme
Year of implementation:
2026
What was implemented?

The National Housing Authority’s elderly housing initiative provides a set of free, ready-to-use house designs tailored to Thailand’s ageing population. It offers multiple small, affordable, single-storey housing models that incorporate universal design principles, ensuring safety, accessibility and ease of movement for older persons. Features include barrier-free layouts, good lighting, ventilation and user-friendly bathrooms. The designs are intended for ageing in place, enabling older people to live independently in familiar environments. Developed through a national design competition, the initiative promotes inclusive, modern housing that is suitable for all ages while remaining practical and cost-effective for widespread adoption.

Who were the beneficiaries?

The initiative benefits families with older persons in the household wishing to build a house; they can benefit from ready-made designs. Ultimate beneficiaries would be older persons who can benefit from age-friendly housing. 

What were the results?

There has been large interest demonstrated by the number of downloads of the designs (around 50,000), but little concrete data on the use of the designs in construction. 

How was it developed and implemented?

NHA launched a national design competition inviting architecture students and professionals to submit ideas for elderly-friendly housing. A panel of experts evaluated the submissions and selected the most suitable designs based on affordability, accessibility, safety and universal design principles

What makes it a ‘good practice’?

The design competition through which the designs were generated raised awareness among young designers and architects on the requirements of age-friendly housing. 

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Who implemented it?
Government
Implementing/responsible entity:
National Housing Authority of Thailand
Categories:
Enabling and supportive environments (Ageing in place/housing, Disability and age friendly environment)
Country:
Thailand
Type of instrument:
Service
Year of implementation:
2021
What was implemented?

Türkiye Employment Agency (İŞKUR) operates mainstream active labour market programmes that are available to unemployed jobseekers of all ages. These programmes include vocational training courses, on-the-job training programmes, entrepreneurship training, career counselling and job placement services. While not specifically targeted at older persons, the programmes are accessible to and used by people aged 50 years and over. According to Türkiye's 2021 MIPAA Survey, older jobseekers have participated extensively in these measures, which support skills development, employability and labour market reintegration. The programmes promote lifelong learning and help older workers acquire new skills, gain work experience and access employment opportunities. 

Who were the beneficiaries?

The programmes are open to all job seekers aged 15 years or over. 

What were the results?

According to the 2021 MIPAA Survey, 412,169 persons aged 50 and over were placed in employment between 2011 and 2020, and 41,348 additional people aged 50+ were employed through İŞKUR services by August 2021. During 2012-2020, 50,333 older persons participated in vocational training courses, 20,305 participated in on-the-job training programmes, and 23,689 attended entrepreneurship training programmes. A further 4,332 people joined vocational training and 3,719 people participated in on-the-job training during January-August 2021.

How was it developed and implemented?

İŞKUR's active labour market programmes were developed following the establishment of the Turkish Employment Agency in 2003 with a mandate to implement employment services and active labour market policies. Programmes are designed based on labour market needs analyses conducted by İŞKUR's provincial directorates and are delivered through annual workforce training plans. Implementation involves vocational training providers, employers, provincial employment and vocational training boards, and public institutions. Employers participate through on-the-job training and employment-guaranteed courses, while İŞKUR provides coordination, counselling, programme financing and job placement services.

Implementing partners:

  • Türkiye Employment Agency (İŞKUR) (lead implementing agency) 
  • Employers and workplaces participating in on-the-job training and employment-guaranteed courses 
  • Vocational training providers and training institutions delivering courses 
  • Provincial Employment and Vocational Training Boards involved in planning and oversight 
  • Provincial Directorates of İŞKUR conducting labour market needs analyses and programme implementation
What makes it a ‘good practice’?

The practice combines employment services, skills development and workplace experience within a national public employment framework. It addresses barriers faced by older jobseekers by offering training, career guidance, job matching and entrepreneurship opportunities tailored to labour market needs.

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Who implemented it?
Government
Implementing/responsible entity:
Türkiye Employment Agency (İŞKUR)
Categories:
Work, the labour force, poverty and social protection (Employment and re-employment, Life-long learning)
Country:
Türkiye
Type of instrument:
Programme
Year of implementation:
2003
What was implemented?

A free resource and guide that aims to empower LGBTQI+ elders in New Zealand to know their legal rights and use social connections.

Who were the beneficiaries?

Older Takatāpui and LGBTQI+ individuals aged 55+ in New Zealand

What were the results?

Many individuals gained legal empowerment as the toolkit aided them to legally designate non-biological individuals as next of kin. It also established a directory of 'Rainbow-safe' social groups and community hubs, therefore preventing social withdrawals that often lead to neglect.

How was it developed and implemented?

Developed through a lived-experience model. Researchers interviewed many Takatāpui and rainbow elders to figure out what resources they needed to feel safer.

What makes it a ‘good practice’?

Fills a gap, specifically addressing the legal  vulnerability of Rainbow elders, as many have become estranged from their biological families. This resource was developed ensuring it serves both Māori Takatāpui and non-Māori elders in New Zealand. Based off three years of research, driving the need for this resource. Gives the elderly autonomy to make their own legal decision, therefore preventing financial and psychological abuse.

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Who implemented it?
Implementing/responsible entity:
Hohou Te Rongo Kahukura, a specialist Rainbow violence prevention charitable trust). Funded by the Office for Seniors via the Elder Abuse Prevention fund
Categories:
Discrimination, neglect, abuse (Anti-discrimination); Enabling and supportive environments (Age-friendly communities)
Country:
New Zealand
Type of instrument:
Training or guidebook
Year of implementation:
2025

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 including for the Fourth Asia-Pacific Review and Appraisal of MIPAA, 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)

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.