Summary
There has been a lack of data and evidence generated on older persons in the Pacific Island context, which prevents an accurate picture of older adults’ lives and their living environments and often leads to fewer evidence-informed policies and interventions. Palau conducted research to assess the circumstances, experiences, needs and expectations of older adults, their families and communities, which will help gather knowledge about lived experiences and circumstances of older adults. In addition to the research, Palau conducted consultations with older adults and other stakeholders such as policymakers, non-profit organizations, social and healthcare workers, and community leaders to identify existing resources and actions needed to promote healthy ageing. Such endeavours will support policy development on ageing that suits national and subnational contexts.
Planning and Implementation
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What was the challenge you were trying to address?
The research addressed the evidence gap in the contexts of Palau and the Pacific. The new national policy addressed the changing and diverse needs of a fast-ageing population in Palau.
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Who were you trying to impact?
Older people in general
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What sectors were you targeting?
Education, Health, Housing, Information and Communication, Labour, Long-term care, Social protection, Transportation, Urban development
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Who else was involved?
Government, Civil Society Organization, Health Care, Social Care, Private Sector
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How did older people participate?
Older people were consulted during the planning process
Lessons learned
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Please describe how collaboration worked in your initiative.
Public consultations: On 16 December 2022, the Ministry of Health and Human Services conducted the National Symposium on Healthy Ageing and engaged over 70 registered participants from all states of Palau including policymakers, non-profit organizations, social and healthcare workers, and community leaders. This symposium includes two sessions of focused discussions on various issues of ageing, including cultural changes around ageing and older persons, social and physical environments, long-term care and integrated care for older persons. This helped MoHHS to hear aspirations and ideas from different sectors on how we can help Palauan age well and healthily. Stakeholder interviews: From 14 to 20 December 2022, the Ministry of Health and Human Services performed 10 focused interviews with key stakeholders from the active and healthy ageing arena such as family caregivers, community leaders, health and social care providers, businesses, entrepreneurs, and policymakers at national, provincial, and local levels. These interviews aimed to further gain perspectives and insights on how to respond to the diverse needs of an ageing population in Palau.
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What was the impact of your initiative on older people, their families, and/or their communities?
The research-informed policy will serve as a guide for future healthy ageing interventions in Palau. The publication of this research and policy is also expected to inspire countries, especially Pacific island countries, to develop their national ageing policies. However, a full evaluation of impact will only be possible once the policy has entered the implementation phase
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What issues did you face, and how did you address them?
One of the key issues is to gather diverse perspectives and consult different stakeholders. Palau MoHHS conducted the National Symposium on Healthy Ageing and stakeholder interviews to address this issue.
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What lessons did you learn from implementing this initiative?
A whole-of-society/government approach, a preventative approach to health, and a cultural- and gender-sensitive approach is crucial to any policy development process.
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Do you have any other reflections you would like to share?
N/A