A Sri Lankan turning 60 today can expect to live an additional 20.8 years on average, according to recent data, but only about 15.3 of those years are anticipated to be spent in good health. This gap highlights the challenges associated with healthy ageing, urging a focus beyond longevity to include quality of life, functional ability, and dignity in older age.
The 2024 Census of Population and Housing in Sri Lanka provided new insights into the health status of the population, with chronic diseases included in the questions for the first time. Approximately 4.18 million people—or nearly one in five—reported living with at least one non-communicable disease (NCD). High blood pressure was the most common condition, affecting 10.1% of the population, followed by diabetes (8.5%) and high cholesterol (8.2%).
The prevalence of chronic diseases rises significantly with age. Among those over 35, 94% of reported chronic conditions were recorded, while more than half of Sri Lankans aged 60 and above reported at least one diagnosed NCD. For individuals in their early 80s, nearly two-thirds reported at least one chronic disease. Experts emphasize, however, that older age should not be equated with disease and that healthy ageing begins much earlier in life.
According to representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), health in later years is influenced by conditions experienced throughout the life course. Factors such as nutrition, education, physical activity, social connections, and access to quality health care play critical roles in determining health outcomes in old age. Preventive measures and effective management of chronic conditions need to be adopted early and maintained across an individual’s lifetime.
The census data also reveal disparities related to gender and socioeconomic status. Women bear a greater burden of NCDs, with 21.8% reporting chronic diseases compared to 16.4% of men. Among widowed individuals—predominantly older women—40.4% reported high blood pressure. Lower education levels correlate with poorer health outcomes; 27.5% of those without formal schooling report high blood pressure, compared to only 7% among university graduates. These findings reflect broader social and economic inequalities that affect health over a person’s lifespan.
Addressing these challenges requires multisectoral approaches that go beyond healthcare. A whole-of-government response is necessary to reduce inequalities and promote healthy, active ageing. International frameworks such as the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030) and the WHO South-East Asia Regional Strategy on Healthy Ageing (2024–2030) emphasize priorities including combating ageism, creating age-friendly communities, delivering person-centered primary health care, and expanding access to long-term care.
Sri Lanka is recognized as well-positioned to lead efforts in healthy ageing due to its robust public health infrastructure and primary care system. Initiatives such as the Integrated Care for Older People approach, home-based care programs, and caregiver support networks are underway, with plans to scale up these services further.
Ultimately, stakeholders argue that fostering healthy ageing is a collective societal responsibility encompassing education, gender equality, decent employment, income security, and supportive environments. Translating international commitments and national policies into coordinated actions will be crucial to ensuring that longer life spans in Sri Lanka translate into years lived with health, independence, dignity, and meaningful opportunity.