Browse Ageing Policies

The initiative aims to establish a network of Active Longevity Centres across all regions of Kazakhstan to improve the quality of life for older citizens by promoting active ageing, fostering a culture of health, and encouraging community engagement. These centres focus on shifting perceptions of ageing from passive to active, healthy, and dignified longevity. The initiative is led by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of Kazakhstan, with contributions from the Ministries of Health, Culture and Sports, and local executive bodies. The project was discussed by the Interdepartmental Commission on Improving the Situation of Older Citizens, chaired by Vice Minister. The project targets the population aged 65 and older. Active Longevity Centres offer a variety of services, including yoga, Nordic walking, medical, psychological, and legal consultations, IT and language training, cultural outings, and community engagement activities. They are funded through local budgets, with a focus on providing health support and fostering a barrier-free environment for older citizens. As of January 1, 2023, there are a total of 63 centers operating throughout the country. The initiative was launched in February 2021, with centres planned to be operational in all regions by the end of 2021 and the project continuing through 2025.

The "Active Longevity" Action Plan aims to enhance the well-being and quality of life of older citizens. The primary objectives include improving the financial status of older adults, increasing their employment opportunities, providing family support, enhancing health-care services, and promoting social integration through leisure activities and modernizing public consciousness around ageing. The plan also focuses on strengthening the social services sector and providing emergency support for older individuals. The plan was initiated by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Kazakhstan, with technical assistance provided by UNFPA in Kazakhstan. The plan covers all regions of Kazakhstan, targeting older population, their families, and relevant support systems. The initiatives aim to affect multiple sectors including health care, social services, and employment. One of the central elements of the plan is the establishment of "Active Longevity Centres" across Kazakhstan's regions. The Department of Social Assistance Policy Development is required to submit a consolidated report on the progress of the Action Plan's implementation to the Minister annually, no later than February 15 of the year following the reporting year. The action plan was approved on February 22, 2021, and will be implemented until 2025.

The programme aims to enhance lifelong learning opportunities and improve digital education access for all citizens. It seeks to foster Kazakhstan's scientific contributions to socio-economic development while equipping individuals with skills necessary for modern life, including digital literacy and entrepreneurship. The Ministry of Education and Science of Kazakhstan oversees the programme, with input from various government sectors and universities across the country. The programme is national in scope, targeting individuals of all ages across Kazakhstan. A particular emphasis is placed on older adults through the "Silver University" initiative, which serves citizens aged 50 and older. "Silver Universities" have been established in 35 institutions, offering diverse programmes in digital skills, foreign languages, entrepreneurship, law, culture, religion, and physical activity. Popular courses include English language learning, e-government services, digital literacy, and promoting healthy lifestyles. The initiative aims to empower older adults with knowledge and skills that can improve their quality of life and social participation. Most universities have developed their own courses and prepared teaching aids. The total number of students is about 2,000. The programme was approved in December 2019 and will run until 2025.

The Employment Population Law aims to promote active employment assistance for individuals aged 16 up to retirement age. The law seeks to improve access to employment, prioritize older workers nearing retirement among other potentially vulnerable categories, and support entrepreneurship for unemployed and pre-retirement individuals. The law is implemented by the Government of Kazakhstan, with specific measures overseen by various state agencies. Article 17 of the law outlines active employment assistance, which includes job placements and training for individuals from 16 up to retirement age. Article 20 establishes social workplaces for the unemployed, with pre-retirement individuals receiving priority access. Article 23 prioritizes individuals over 50 for entrepreneurial initiatives, providing state support for training, project services, and microcredit. Additionally, the law guarantees social and medical support for unemployed individuals through the mandatory social insurance and healthcare systems. The law was repealed in 2023.

This law aims to protect workers aged 55 and older from unjust dismissal before reaching retirement age by requiring a positive decision from a special commission before termination can occur. The commission must consist of an equal number of representatives from both employers and employees, with its creation governed by the collective agreement or employer regulations. The law applies to workers aged 55 and older across all sectors in Kazakhstan. The commission must review each dismissal case. Failure to follow this process by employers can lead to the worker's reinstatement. The procedure is mandatory and aims to protect older workers' rights. Ongoing implementation, with decisions reviewed as part of employment processes.

This law, effective from January 1, 2009, aims to improve the quality of social services for individuals in difficult life situations, including older adults and people with disabilities. It seeks to provide individualized and targeted social support, ensuring equal participation in society. The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Kazakhstan oversees the implementation, with over 900 entities providing these services. The law applies to individuals with vulnerabilities across Kazakhstan, covering those unable to care for themselves due to age, illness, or disability. The services are divided into eight categories, including social-medical, social-domestic, social-psychological, social-educational, social-labour, social-cultural, social-economic, and social-legal services, providing comprehensive rehabilitation to compensate for lost life functions. The National Preventive Mechanism monitors service provision to prevent abuse and ensure quality. The policy has been in effect since 2009, with ongoing implementation and service improvements.