This report summarizes the evidence about women, ageing, and health from a gender perspective and provides a framework for developing action plans to improve the health and well being of ageing women. It serves as a complement to a longer publication entitled "Women, Ageing and Health: A Review. Focus on Gender." The concepts and principles in this document build on WHO's active ageing policy framework, which calls on policy-makers, practitioners, nongovernmental organizations, and civil society to optimize opportunities for health, participation, and security in order to enhance quality of life for people as they age. This requires a comprehensive approach that takes into account the gendered nature of the life course. This report endeavors to provide information on ageing women in both developing and developed countries; however, data are often scant in many areas of the developing world. Some implications and directions for policy and practice based on the evidence and known best practices are included in the report. These are intended to stimulate discussion and lead to specific recommendations and action plans. The report provides an overall framework for taking action that is useful in all settings.