As part of the United Nation’s (UN) Decade of Healthy Ageing, the World Health Organization (WHO) has developed a robust set of draft standards for long-term care. The draft standards are open for consultation until 30 October 2026. The development of these standards is a recognition that long-term care is no longer a peripheral issue but is integral to effective health systems and a social imperative given our changing demographics. Noting that two-thirds of people worldwide who reach old age will need some form of care, it is increasingly clear that the quality of care is more often a function of where one lives rather than what one needs. The standards are designed to ensure that, regardless of where one lives, people can age with dignity, and receive care that protects their rights, preferences, and humanity.
There are 34 draft standards, built around settings of care, people involved in care (paid and unpaid workers), and system functions. For example, one chapter focuses on care practices, another on governance, with reference to the importance of a collective effort. Another focuses on quality monitoring. In their totality, the draft standards provide a shared global reference point for what quality should be: rights-based and person-centered.
Given the deep expertise of the Global Ageing Network in designing, providing, and advocating for quality long term care, we have a unique opportunity to lend our voices and views to commenting on the standards. There is a survey in this Call for public consultation on Global Standards for Long-Term Care or written consultation is welcome. Comments on one standard or many are welcome. I urge you to participate in this first-ever opportunity.
