When it comes to building a strong and robust health system in Timor-Leste, much of the focus is on younger community members, including newborns and young children. These demographics are the foundations on which Timor-Leste’s future continues to grow – but just as importantly is the care that’s taken for older people within the nation’s health system.
Timor-Leste is currently in the midst of a gradual demographic shift, with the proportion of people aged 60 and above doubling since 1990. This represents a rise from 4% to 8% of the population, with this number anticipated to increase to 11% by 2050.
Timorese people are living longer, which is a positive indicator of ongoing development. The health systems that support them, however, need to keep pace with this ageing population, building in long-term solutions to ensure the nation’s older citizens have access to high-quality healthcare that protects their quality of life as they age.
With elders deeply valued in Timorese families and communities – often serving as caregivers, cultural custodians and decision-makers – this is a cultural objective as much as it is a health objective. By working to ensure older Timorese people can live healthy, dignified lives, the entire nation’s social fabric has ongoing momentum that supports meaningful progress.
Here’s how we’re a part of building stronger health systems for Timor-Leste’s older population.
Growing health needs with an ageing population
According to the World Health Organisation, most of Timor-Leste’s older adults face a combination of chronic disease, functional decline and increased vulnerability to injury. Significant trends impacting their health and wellbeing include:
- Cardiovascular disease, stroke and heart disease remain the top causes of death among older people
- Hearing loss affects up to 80% of people aged 80+
- Vision impairment becomes a growing challenge over time
- Low back pain, reduced mobility and chronic conditions like diabetes are more widespread
As the average life expectancy in Timor-Leste grows, the gap between lifespan and a healthy, active lifespan is substantial. Too many TImorese elders experience a later life that’s marked by preventable illness, limited support and reduced quality of life.
How Maluk Timor is strengthening support for older adults
A number of our broad initiatives provide crucial support for health and wellbeing to Timor-Leste’s ageing population. These include:
- Integrating older adults into Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) care – many NCDs disproportionately impact older adults, especially hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Maluk Timor has recently integrated an NCD program with a strong focus on diabetes and hypertension, supporting more adults to receive diagnoses and early treatment, dramatically reducing the risk of ongoing complications.
- Strengthening knowledge through the DISTaNCE project – our DISTaNCE project is designed to lift clinical standards across primary care, with our team helping to develop clinical modules that will strengthen national capacity. These modules cover conditions including cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, cancer, oral health and mental health. As clinical care standards across Timor-Leste rise in these areas through targeted knowledge sharing and upskilling, so, too, will the quality of life for older Timorese individuals.
- An upcoming Geriatric Care module – we’re working to help develop and create one of the first structured clinical guidance tools for health workers who directly support ageing populations across the country. THis investment in training ensures that policy meets action, providing high-quality care that’s transformative for vulnerable populations.
A health system that’s designed for all
TImor-Leste is still in the early stages of building a healthcare system that supports healthy ageing, but with the demographic shift already here, this is becoming an urgent area of focus.
Maluk Timor is committed to playing an integral role in this emerging future. By strengthening NCD care, supporting clinical training and preparing geriatric resources for front-line health workers, we’re working to lay the foundations for a health system that looks after all Timor-Leste individuals throughout every stage of their life.
Conclusion
Healthy ageing is about far more than living longer. It’s about living well, with dignity, independence and rich community connection. By investing in a stronger healthcare system for Timor-Leste’s ageing population, we’re building a stronger system for all.
These improved systems also recognise the immense cultural, familial and social value that Timorese elders provide. With too many of them navigating the challenges of preventable illness, limited access to care and a lack of structured support, we’re working broadly to strengthen and enhance the services available to this crucial demographic, building an integrated healthcare system for the whole community.
We couldn’t do this work without our valuable network of supporters. With a global family around the world, Maluk Timor’s work in Timor-Leste is fuelled by the commitment our supporters have to a brighter, safe future for all Timorese people. Join our global family and play a crucial role in making Timor-Leste safer and more secure for its ageing population. Together, we can build strong, sustainable health care that changes the trajectory of so many Timorese lives.