Silver Economy
Redesigning labour markets, pension systems and human capital policies to sustain productivity, inclusion and intergenerational equity in ageing societies.
The Silver Economy reflects the economic opportunities and policy responses arising from population ageing. It recognises older people as workers, consumers, entrepreneurs and contributors to society, while exploring how labour markets, social protection systems, businesses and public policies can adapt to support productive ageing, financial security, innovation and sustainable economic development.
Sessions include:
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A1
An Integrated Perspective on the Silver Economy
As populations age, the Silver Economy is becoming an increasingly important source of economic activity and opportunity across Asia. The discussion will consider older people’s consumption, economic contributions and emerging national approaches. Participants will gain insights into its potential and how enabling environments can support older people as both consumers and economic contributors.
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A2
Productive Engagement and Incomes at Older Ages as the Foundation for Silver Consumption
Employment, productive engagement and income security in later life are important foundations of the Silver Economy. Drawing on different experiences across Asia, the discussion will explore how older people generate income and contribute economically. Participants will consider policies and workplace practices that support longer working lives, financial security and continued economic participation.
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A3
Social Protection Systems and Intergenerational Equity
How can social protection provide financial security in later life while remaining sustainable and equitable across generations? The discussion will consider pension coverage, informal workers, family support and different financing approaches. Participants will gain insights into policy options that strengthen protection for older people while balancing the needs and responsibilities of different generations.
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A4
Consumption Dynamics of Old Age and Industrial Innovations for the Silver Economy
Older people’s changing needs, preferences and purchasing power are creating new opportunities across Asian markets. From health and care to finance, tourism, food, housing and leisure, the discussion will examine emerging areas of demand. Participants will explore how businesses and policymakers can respond to diverse older consumers and encourage inclusive innovation.
Technology, Artificial Intelligence, and Population Ageing
Harnessing digital technologies and AI to support extended working lives, service delivery, care systems and independent living—while ensuring inclusion, ethics and good governance.
As digital transformation reshapes ageing societies, this sub-theme explores how technology can enhance health, care, employment, community participation and independent living. It also addresses digital inclusion, accessibility, privacy, human rights and ethical governance, ensuring innovation improves quality of life while preserving human connection and leaving no one behind.
Sessions include:
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B1
Bridging the Digital Divide – Digital Inclusion and Policy for Older Persons
Digital transformation brings new opportunities, but many older people continue to face barriers related to connectivity, affordability and digital literacy. The discussion will highlight effective policies, intergenerational approaches and the potential of AI to improve accessibility. Participants will learn how meaningful digital participation can be expanded without excluding those who rely on non-digital services.
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B2
Harnessing AI and Emerging Technologies for Healthy Ageing, Care and Independent Living
From digital health and diagnostics to assistive and smart-home technologies, innovation is opening new possibilities for healthy ageing, care and independent living. Participants will explore what makes these technologies accessible, affordable and scalable, and how they can be integrated into health and care systems while safeguarding older people’s dignity, choice and autonomy.
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B3
Technologies Enabling and Supporting Older Workers
Technology can create new opportunities for older people to remain productive and engaged in changing labour markets. Focusing on digital skills, flexible work and enabling technologies, the discussion will also address age discrimination and digital exclusion. Participants will explore how policies, employers and training systems can support inclusive and productive working lives at older ages.
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B4
Ethics, Governance and Rights – Ensuring Technology Works for All Ages
As technology becomes more embedded in everyday life, questions of privacy, consent, discrimination and accountability are increasingly important. Through a rights-based lens, participants will examine approaches to inclusive technology governance and consider practical principles for ensuring AI and digital transformation respect older people’s autonomy, equality, dignity and meaningful participation.
Sustainable Caring Societies
Building sustainable, equitable and person-centred long-term care systems, linked to prevention, healthy ageing, community-based care and support for care workers and families.
This sub-theme examines how financing, governance, service delivery and workforce development can strengthen long-term care systems to meet growing needs. It highlights integrated and community-based approaches that support healthy ageing, ageing in place, and recognise the essential contributions of both formal and informal caregivers.
Sessions include:
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C1
Sustainable Financing for Long-term Care
Financing is fundamental to building long-term care systems that are sustainable, equitable and accessible. Drawing on experiences across the region, the discussion will compare approaches including taxation and mandatory insurance. Participants will gain insights into the strengths and trade-offs of different models and practical considerations for developing or reforming long-term care financing.
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C2
Challenges of Governance for Long-term Care Policy
Effective long-term care depends on strong coordination across ministries, levels of government, health and social care systems, and service providers. Participants will examine different governance arrangements and how they shape financing, accountability and service delivery. The discussion will highlight practical lessons for strengthening coordination and building more integrated and person-centred long-term care systems.
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C3
Person-centred Long-term Care Service Delivery
Putting people’s needs, preferences and dignity at the centre of long-term care requires services to work together effectively. The discussion will cover integrated, institutional, home- and community-based models, collaboration among key actors, and the role of technology. Participants will learn how care can become more coordinated, responsive and centred on the individual.
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C4
Adequate and Professional Human Resources
Meeting growing demand for long-term care requires a skilled, sufficient and well-supported workforce. Key issues include professional standards, training, career development, support for family caregivers and the potential role of technology. Participants will explore practical approaches to building a sustainable and valued care workforce capable of responding to changing needs.
Age-Friendly Societies
Creating inclusive physical, social and institutional environments—across urban and rural settings—that enable ageing in place, social participation and intergenerational cohesion.
This sub-theme explores how communities, cities and institutions can become more inclusive through accessible environments, community participation, digital inclusion and age-friendly policies. It also examines the role of community organisations and efforts to challenge ageism, enabling older people to remain active, connected and valued members of society.
Sessions include:
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D1
Age-Friendly Cities – Policies, Practice and Networks
What does it take to turn age-friendly policies into meaningful change in people’s everyday lives? Drawing on experiences across the region, participants will explore accessible infrastructure, responsive services, community engagement and networks. The discussion will highlight practical approaches and partnerships that can help create more inclusive environments for older people and communities as a whole.
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D2
Community Power – The Role of CBOs in Advancing Age-Friendly Communities
Community-based organisations can play a powerful role in ensuring that older people have a voice in shaping their communities. Through examples from across the region, participants will explore approaches to empowerment, participation and collaboration with local authorities, and learn how community-led models can contribute to more responsive and inclusive age-friendly communities.
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D3
Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence – Empowering Age-Friendly Societies
Digitalization and AI offer new ways to support independence, participation and connection in ageing societies. Applications in digital health, community care, assistive technologies and social connectivity will be explored alongside challenges around access, literacy, privacy and governance. Participants will consider how digital solutions can contribute to inclusive and age-friendly societies without deepening existing inequalities.
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D4
Challenging Ageism – Building Inclusive and Age-Friendly Societies
Ageism can shape older people’s opportunities, rights, participation and representation in many areas of life. Looking at both attitudes and institutional practices, the discussion will explore changing narratives, stronger policies and intergenerational solidarity. Participants will take away practical approaches to challenging ageism and fostering societies that value people’s contributions and diversity across the life course.
