(Tutong, 10th) Brunei is undergoing a significant demographic shift, and is expected to become an aging nation within just 13 years, when the elderly population will account for more than 14% of the total national population.
To ensure that Brunei is well-prepared to address the issue of an aging population, an important measure is the implementation of an age-friendly community initiative. This initiative is an evidence-based action aimed at creating environments conducive to healthy aging for people of all ages, especially the elderly, allowing them to enjoy their later years, actively participate in community life, and access services that meet their needs.
The age-friendly community initiative was proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and has already been implemented in 57 countries and 1,739 towns worldwide. In view of this, Tutong District has been recognized by the WHO as a suitable area to carry out age-friendly community activities, and will formally join the WHO Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities in March 2026. Tutong District is actively committed to creating a more livable area for older people by strengthening policies, projects, and services to support the well-being and social participation of the elderly.
To ensure the successful implementation of the initiative, the Ministry of Health, through the Health Promotion Centre, partnered with the Tutong District Office and the World Health Organization to hold a consultation session on age-friendly communities yesterday morning at the Tutong District Officer’s residence. Participants included government agencies, stakeholders, and representatives from the Tutong District Office.
Tutong District Assistant Officer Ariff Anuar, in his welcome speech, stated that the consultation session provided a valuable platform for all parties to share their views, suggestions, and experiences. He pointed out that building Tutong District into an age-friendly area requires the government and all sectors of society to work together, and welcomed ideas from government agencies, the private sector, educational institutions, community leaders, and non-governmental organizations for the initiative.
He added that the focus is not only on material aspects such as infrastructure, but also on the social aspects of the elderly, such as health, economic participation, and mental well-being. Subsequently, Senior Health Officer Munawarah from the Health Promotion Centre gave a brief introduction on “Age-friendly Communities.”
The purpose of this consultation meeting is to further understand the age-friendly community initiative in Tutong District and to identify corresponding actions and activities in order to formulate an action plan. This initiative is in line with the upcoming National Action Plan for Older Persons, as well as the nation’s commitment to high-quality, dignified, and healthy aging for all.
Participants in the meeting included government agencies, private sector representatives, village heads, senior citizens and other stakeholders from Tutong District. Through this consultation, collective efforts and suggestions from all parties will help improve the quality of life for the elderly population in Tutong District and assist Brunei in achieving its Vision 2035.
The age-friendly community initiative was proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and has already been implemented in 57 countries and 1,739 towns worldwide. In view of this, Tutong District has been recognized by the WHO as a suitable area to carry out age-friendly community activities, and will formally join the WHO Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities in March 2026. Tutong District is actively committed to creating a more livable area for older people by strengthening policies, projects, and services to support the well-being and social participation of the elderly.
To ensure the successful implementation of the initiative, the Ministry of Health, through the Health Promotion Centre, partnered with the Tutong District Office and the World Health Organization to hold a consultation session on age-friendly communities yesterday morning at the Tutong District Officer’s residence. Participants included government agencies, stakeholders, and representatives from the Tutong District Office.
Tutong District Assistant Officer Ariff Anuar, in his welcome speech, stated that the consultation session provided a valuable platform for all parties to share their views, suggestions, and experiences. He pointed out that building Tutong District into an age-friendly area requires the government and all sectors of society to work together, and welcomed ideas from government agencies, the private sector, educational institutions, community leaders, and non-governmental organizations for the initiative.
He added that the focus is not only on material aspects such as infrastructure, but also on the social aspects of the elderly, such as health, economic participation, and mental well-being. Subsequently, Senior Health Officer Munawarah from the Health Promotion Centre gave a brief introduction on “Age-friendly Communities.”
The purpose of this consultation meeting is to further understand the age-friendly community initiative in Tutong District and to identify corresponding actions and activities in order to formulate an action plan. This initiative is in line with the upcoming National Action Plan for Older Persons, as well as the nation’s commitment to high-quality, dignified, and healthy aging for all.
Participants in the meeting included government agencies, private sector representatives, village heads, senior citizens and other stakeholders from Tutong District. Through this consultation, collective efforts and suggestions from all parties will help improve the quality of life for the elderly population in Tutong District and assist Brunei in achieving its Vision 2035.