Browse Ageing Policies

The project, which was developed by TREXIMA and Age Management, targets employees in the Czech Republic, specifically focusing on sectors such as manufacturing, transport and storage, and health and social care. The analysis considers various demographics like age and gender. The project employs the Work Ability Index (WAI), a scientifically validated tool, to measure and evaluate work ability. The project had two stages: identifying at-risk sectors (2021) and conducting pilot measurements in specific industries (2022). The study aligns with national frameworks on ageing and includes both general and sector-specific recommendations. The evaluation includes mental health aspects, revealing that 36.5% of employees sometimes feel positive about the future, with 31.9% feeling positive quite often. The project's structured approach and evidence-based recommendations make it a model of good practice.

The Final International Conference of the Project “Work Ability Management” was held in 2023 in the Czech Republic by Age Management, z.s. in collaboration with organizations from Germany, the Netherlands, Hungary, and Slovakia. Implemented at the international level, the project targets ageing employees, aiming to promote work ability as a comprehensive approach to health, employment, and lifelong learning to enable employees to balance work, personal, and family life. Key measures include the collection of examples from each participating country on measures to support ageing employees and compiling them into a publication. It also developed new methodologies for working capacity applicable to both employed and unemployed persons, focusing on those at risk of reduced working capacity and helping them find their way back to the labour market. These methodologies are designed to advance the promotion of work ability not only in the participating countries but also in other interested countries. The project results emphasize that understanding work ability can enhance labour market positions for both employed and unemployed individuals, while supporting preventive programs in physical and mental health and lifelong learning may positively influence retirement; additionally, the "Digital Coach" web platform, available in five languages, was developed to support these goals.

The Project "Work Ability Management" No. 2020-1-CZ01-KA204-078204 Erasmus + Program Key Action 2 Strategic partnerships for adult education was introduced in 2020 in the Czech Republic under the Erasmus+ Program Key Action 2 for Strategic Partnerships in Adult Education. Led by Age Management, z.s. in collaboration with partners from Germany, Hungary, the Netherlands, and Slovakia, the project is implemented at the international level, targeting both employed and unemployed adults. This project aims to equip organizations with goal-oriented strategies to address demographic challenges through age management, to ensure that older workers are supported in maintaining work ability and that workplace designs are attractive and flexible for both younger and older employees. Key measures include applying the Work Ability Model and Work Ability Index (WAI), a tool that assesses the alignment between individual resources and work demands. The project uses written and oral surveys, workshops, and counseling sessions to identify needed changes and recommend measures that enhance work ability. Project outputs include an electronic publication, "Supporting Ageing in the Workplace," and a methodology for managing work ability targeted at those employed, considering a career change, or unemployed. The “Digital Coach” web platform further supports this by offering resources and guidance.

The “Measuring the Work Ability of Employees in the Czech Republic” initiative was introduced in 2022 by the Union of Industry and Transport of the Czech Republic in collaboration with TREXIMA, spol. s.r.o. and Age Management, z.s. Implemented at the national level, this initiative focuses on the manufacturing industry, transport and storage, and health and social care sectors, analyzing employee work ability across age and gender since 2011. Its aim is to identify factors affecting work ability at each stage of an employee’s life, enabling the development of targeted measures based on these insights. Key measures include using the Work Ability Index (WAI), a tool based on a certified questionnaire available in 29 languages, to evaluate work capacity. The study results in 6 thematic areas for final recommendations: integrating age management and work ability into national strategies, establishing legislative support for work capacity, using WAI data for research and decision-making, enhancing information and advisory services, providing public support for maintaining work ability at both individual and corporate levels, and promoting the development of personnel capacities in age management. This approach emphasizes the importance of work ability for older workers, addressing the effects of ageing in the workforce and supporting sustainable employment.

The Strategic Framework for Preparing for an Ageing Society 2021–2025 aims to change the perception and attitude of society towards ageing and to prepare for the demographic transition. The framework is implemented by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, in collaboration with other ministries. The framework covers the whole population of the Czech Republic, with a special focus on older persons. The framework sets out “10 fundamentals of the preparation for Ageing”, which are: 1) fair pensions, 2) more accessible and quality social and health services, 3) more accessible and barrier-free housing for older persons, 4) supporting the sandwich generation and informal family caregivers, 5) preparing the state administration for societal ageing, 6) supporting the family and human relationships, 7) safe life of senior citizens, fight against discrimination, violence and so-called crooks, higher consumer protection, 8) lifelong learning, labor market and active ageing, 9) barrier-free public space, 10) awareness raising and media coverage of ageing. The framework sets out specific indicators and targets for each of the fundamentals, as well as the funding and the actors responsible for their implementation. The framework spans from 2021 to 2025.

The objective of this governmental decision is to increase the care allowance for individuals in the third and fourth degrees of dependency, supporting informal caregivers who provide continuous home care. The policy is implemented by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs of the Czech Republic. Key stakeholders include informal caregivers and individuals with high dependency levels. The policy targets individuals in the third and fourth degrees of dependency across the Czech Republic. It specifically benefits those not receiving residential social services. Key features of the policy include that, from April 1, 2019, the care allowance for individuals in the fourth degree of dependency increased from 13,200 CZK to 19,200 CZK. For the third degree, the allowance increased from July 1, 2019, to 13,900 CZK for children and 12,800 CZK for adults. The increased allowance is applied automatically, with no need for recipients to apply. As of February 2019, nearly 360,500 allowances were paid, indicating significant financial support for dependent individuals and their caregivers. The policy was introduced in 2019.

The introduction of long-term attendance allowance aimed at supporting individuals who need to take care of a family member requiring long-term home care after hospitalization. The policy is managed by the Czech Republic's social security system, involving healthcare providers and family caregivers. This benefit applies nationally within the Czech Republic. It targets family members of patients who have been hospitalized for at least 7 days and require at least 30 days of home care post-discharge. The allowance can be claimed for up to 90 days. It enables caregivers to stay at home to provide necessary care. The process involves a healthcare provider's certification of the patient's need for long-term home care. The policy was introduced on June 1, 2018.

The project “Generation tandem” aims to support generational exchange and intergenerational solidarity in the labor market. It focuses on retaining pre-retirement workers and aligning the skills of new entrants or those returning to the labour market with job market demands. The project is co-financed by the European Social Fund and the state budget of the Czech Republic. It is managed by the Regional Branch of the Labour Office in Příbram. The project targets job seekers and those interested in employment in the Central Bohemian Region. It specifically focuses on pre-retirement workers and new entrants to the labour market, including graduates and those returning from parental leave or caregiving. The project provides wage subsidies to employers for hiring new employees and retaining pre-retirement workers. It includes training and mentoring programmes to transfer skills from experienced workers to new employees. Employers must retain pre-retirement workers for at least six months after the subsidy period. Regarding observed impacts, the project has enhanced job security for older workers and facilitated the transfer of knowledge to younger employees, improving their employability. The project was implemented from January 1, 2016, to April 30, 2023.

The objective of the Award of the Government Council for Older Persons and Population Ageing is to recognize and honour individuals, organizations, and other entities for their significant contributions to enhancing the quality of life for seniors and addressing issues related to aging and old age. The main institutions involved are the Council and the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MPSV). The Council members nominate candidates for the awards, and a jury composed of representatives from the Council and MPSV evaluates these nominations. The award targets individuals, organizations, and entities that have made notable contributions to senior citizens' well-being. It is a national initiative, covering the entire country. The policy includes a nomination and evaluation process. Council members submit nominations, which are then assessed by a jury. The awards aim to highlight and promote efforts that improve seniors' lives and address ageing issues. The first edition of the Award was celebrated in 2013, when the policy was established. The recognition activities are ongoing, with regular evaluations and awards.

The National Action Plan for Positive Ageing for the Period 2013–2017 aims to ensure and protect the human rights of older persons, promote lifelong learning, employment, volunteering and intergenerational cooperation, create a quality environment for the life of seniors, support healthy ageing and care for older persons. The main institution responsible for the implementation of the plan is the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, in cooperation with other ministries, regional and local authorities, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders. The plan covers the whole population of the Czech Republic, with a special focus on the older persons. Some of the key goals of the plan include the development of a legal framework and monitoring mechanisms to prevent and combat discrimination, abuse and violence against older persons, the extension of working life and the adaptation of the labor market and social security systems to the needs and preferences of older workers and seniors, the promotion of healthy lifestyles via the prevention and early diagnosis of chronic diseases, and the enhancement of quality of long-term care, among others. The plan was implemented from 2013 to 2017.