Rethinking Health Data Systems to Support Healthy Ageing in a Rapidly Greying World

Populations across the world are ageing faster than ever before, and health systems are struggling to keep pace. Researchers at the World Health Organization, including experts from the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific, argue that one of the most overlooked problems is how health information is collected and used. In a new analysis, they warn that health information systems, designed decades ago to track diseases and hospital care, are no longer suited to societies where people live longer and need care across many settings, not just hospitals.

Ageing brings higher rates of chronic illness, disability and long-term care needs, but it also reshapes everyday life. Older people rely on families, caregivers, community services and social support, yet much of this remains invisible in official data. Without better information, governments cannot plan services properly, protect older people's well-being or respond to future pressures.

From Treating Disease to Supporting Life

The paper urges a shift toward "healthy ageing," a concept promoted by WHO that focuses on helping people maintain their physical and mental abilities, independence and quality of life as they grow older. This means health information systems must look beyond illnesses and medical treatments.

Instead of asking only "What disease does this person have?", systems should also capture how well older people function, whether they can move easily, think clearly, stay socially connected and live safely. Well-being, not just survival, becomes the goal. To achieve this, health data must reflect real lives, not just clinical encounters.

The Missing Data on Care and Caregivers

One of the biggest gaps identified is the lack of data on long-term and social care. Many older people receive care at home, in residential facilities or through community services that do not report into national health systems. In countries with a mix of public and private providers, large parts of the care system may not be recorded at all.

Caregivers are another blind spot. Family members and informal carers provide most long-term care worldwide, yet they are rarely documented. The authors argue that information systems should recognize caregivers, link them to patient records and track workforce shortages. Without this, care remains fragmented and overstretched, and caregivers themselves remain unsupported.

Patient records also need to change. Beyond test results and diagnoses, they should include information on family support, designated caregivers and end-of-life wishes. Knowing where someone prefers to be cared for, or who should make decisions on their behalf, can make care more humane and better coordinated.

Making Systems Work Together

Older adults often move between hospitals, clinics, care homes and social services, but their information usually does not follow them. This lack of coordination leads to repeated tests, missed warning signs and poor continuity of care.

The authors stress the importance of interoperability, systems that can share and use data across sectors. Health, social care and long-term care systems should be linked through shared standards and identifiers so providers can see the full picture of a person's needs. Real-time data sharing could also save lives. For example, wearable devices could alert emergency services after a fall, or health systems could respond quickly to heatwaves that put frail older adults at risk.

Technology That Helps, Not Excludes

New digital tools offer major opportunities, from remote monitoring to predictive analytics that identify early signs of decline. Used well, artificial intelligence can help prevent hospital admissions and support care at home. But the paper also issues a warning: technology can exclude older people if systems are too complex or assume high digital skills.

Health information systems must be designed for real users. That means simple interfaces, low-tech options like SMS or printed summaries, and support from caregivers when needed. Older adults should be involved in designing these tools so they are usable and trustworthy.

Ethics and privacy are central concerns. As systems collect more sensitive data about cognition, dependency, or end-of-life choices, clear rules are needed to protect dignity, consent and confidentiality. The authors also caution that biased data can lead to ageism being built into algorithms, reinforcing inequality instead of reducing it.

A Practical Path Forward

Rather than calling for an instant digital overhaul, the authors recommend gradual, realistic reforms. Countries should strengthen governance, agree on basic ageing-related data sets, improve coordination between sectors and invest in skills and digital literacy. The message is clear: without better information systems, healthy ageing will remain an aspiration rather than a reality. With them, societies can plan smarter, care better and ensure that longer lives are also better lives.