Changes needed in health information systems to support an ageing population

Health information systems are essential for evidence-based decision-making and must transform to support healthy ageing in rapidly ageing societies. This change requires strengthening of the structures and processes that enable the collection, integration, analysis and use of comprehensive, integrated and person-centred information in health, social and long-term care sectors. Interoperability and governance mechanisms are important to link data and services and ensure coordinated and continuous care for older adults. Health information systems should incorporate ageing-relevant areas such as functional ability, well-being, end-of-life preferences, living environments, informal and formal caregiving, and social determinants of health. Advanced analytics and tools to support decision-making can provide actionable insights to improve the quality of care, evaluate progress and inform the design of age-friendly policies and services. Equally, systems must be user-centred and accessible, adapted to varying levels of digital literacy, and co-designed with older adults and communities. Engaging older adults and communities in the design of health information systems can enhance relevance, equity, trust and uptake. Such systems can support older adults to actively manage their health. Finally, robust ethical and legal frameworks are essential to guide the responsible design, implementation and use of health information systems. These frameworks should safeguard privacy and uphold dignity, particularly concerning sensitive data, informed consent and decision-making capacity in later life.