The ASEAN Framework on Unlocking the Silver Economy, a proposed regional policy initiative aimed at turning the aging population into an economic opportunity across Southeast Asia, was presented by the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) during the ASEAN High-Level Forum on Unlocking the Silver Economy.
Framework Overview
The framework, introduced by the NCSC—an agency under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)—seeks to shift the perception of aging from a welfare concern to a driver of inclusive economic growth by strengthening the role of older persons in socio-economic development.
Speaking on the final day of the two-day forum, NCSC Commissioner Camilo Gudmalin explained that the proposed framework is based on a regional aging policy centered on security, dignity, and productivity for older persons across ASEAN member states.
“The ASEAN Framework on Unlocking the Silver Economy transforms aging from a welfare problem into an economic and social opportunity. Anchored on a vision of security, dignity, and purpose, guided by principles of equity, inclusion, and innovation, it delivers through six pillars,” Gudmalin said.
Six Pillars: S.I.L.V.E.R.
The forum was organized by the DSWD in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, and the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia.
According to Gudmalin, the framework is built on six pillars represented by the acronym S.I.L.V.E.R.: Social Protection and Income Security, Integrated Health and Care Systems, Lifelong Learning and Productive Engagement, Value Creation and Silver Industries, Enabling Age-Friendly Communities, and Regional Cooperation.
He noted that by 2035, it is envisioned that no older person in the region will live in poverty, and aging will be characterized by dignity and continued productive engagement in the community.
“By 2035, this Framework promises no older person in poverty, aging in place with dignity, productive engagement across the lifespan, ASEAN global leadership in longevity, and intergenerational solidarity,” Gudmalin described.
Three-Phase Implementation
The NCSC proposed a three-phase approach for implementation from 2026 to 2035. The first phase, called Foundation Building, will run from 2026 to 2028 and focus on assessing the situation of older persons in member countries, establishing data systems, piloting age-friendly communities, and training caregivers.
The second phase, System Strengthening, will be implemented from 2028 to 2031. This includes expanding long-term care systems, certifying care workers, expanding health financing, and developing age-friendly infrastructure.
The final phase, Innovation and Integration, is set from 2031 to 2035. During this period, ASEAN members are expected to develop age technology ecosystems, encourage cross-border investments in silver industries, and fully integrate aging issues into regional development planning.
A regional aging dashboard, biennial reporting mechanism, and scorecard will be established to monitor progress on indicators such as pension coverage, access to care services, digital inclusion, employment, gender equity, and disability inclusion.
