Building the inclusive care system requires a community-integrated approach that links primary care directly to the doorstep. The focus is shifting toward practical, data-backed strategies that range from equipping local authorities with sustainable long-term care financing to building a highly skilled, certified workforce of caregivers.

Insights from the PMAC 2026 side event on the Appropriate Care Economy System and Beyond reveal that the most vital bridge to this future is the seamless integration of health and long-term care with social protection systems. By prioritising functional ability over hospital-centric treatments and providing social safety nets for the informal sector, ACAI can ensure that getting older means staying connected and empowered.

Strengthening Institutional and Organizational Capacity for Promotion of Healthy Ageing Partnership of ASEAN Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation (ACAI) is supported by the Government of Japan through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF).