National Strategy for Older Persons

The National Action Plan on Ageing 2020–2024 for Albania addresses the rapid demographic changes and the absence of a traditional system of care for older persons aims in the country by aiming to integrate older persons into society, provide quality services, and ensure a healthy, productive life in alignment with EU guidelines for Life-Long Healthy Ageing. The plan has been spearheaded by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection (MHSP), with the support of the UNFPA and other stakeholders. The plan identifies three policy priorities, namely Protection and Social Inclusion, Integrated Social and Health Services, and Health/Welfare Promotion and Raising the Awareness of Society. Under each priority, the plan sets out different policy aims, such as improve pensions, access to public transport, housing, and health and social care services for older persons, while recognizing the need for improved legislation, resources, and awareness to support the ageing population effectively. The plan foresees different monitoring mechanisms, that will be led by a thematic group focused on social inclusion, which will operate within the Integrated Policy Management Group (GIMP), will lead monitoring efforts. The implementation framework spans from 2020 to 2024.