Browse Ageing Policies

The “National Week of Older Persons” was held in 2024 in Lithuania to celebrate the International Day of Older Persons. Implemented at the national level, this initiative targets older persons and is organized with the aim to promote social activity among seniors and foster a positive image of ageing in society. Key measures include organizing over half a thousand various activities and events held for older persons in 45 Lithuanian municipalities during the week. During the week, older persons could visit museums, cinemas, and art galleries; have coffee or cake at cafes; exercise in sports clubs; take part in excursions to the country's archives; attend trainings and seminars organized by public health offices; receive special medical rehabilitation services tailored to them; and spend meaningful time at events planned by municipalities specifically for older persons. Such an initiative, which is becoming traditional, makes an important contribution to motivating older people, promoting their social activity and promoting a positive image of older people and ageing in society.

The "Social Prescription Project" was introduced in 2024 in Lithuania by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Culture to support retirees’ psychological well-being and mental health. Implemented at the national level and coordinated by public health office project coordinators, this initiative targets older persons, particularly those at social risk, experiencing bereavement, or loneliness. It aims to strengthen psychological well-being and mental health among older persons by engaging them in free, long-term cultural, wellness, non-formal education, and other community-based activities. Participation in these activities helps create social connections that reduce social exclusion, alleviate anxiety, manage chronic diseases, and improve the psychological state and mental health of older people, while also reducing the stigma of disability. Key measures include allowing family doctors or primary mental health care teams to refer older individuals to local classes and activities — such as cultural, scientific, sports, or volunteering events — available in their municipality. As part of the project, a family doctor or primary mental health care team member can refer older individuals to local classes, such as cultural, scientific, sports, and volunteering activities, held in their municipality of residence. These activities are designed to promote active social engagement and psychological resilience.

The primary goal of the subsidized employment programme is to employ individuals sent by the Employment Service or to retain the jobs of individuals specified in Article 25, points 11, 12, and 13 of the law. This is achieved by reimbursing employers for part of the wage costs of these individuals, as well as retaining the jobs of employed individuals who were placed on downtime or had it terminated under specific conditions. The main institution involved is the Employment Service of Lithuania, with employers as key stakeholders. The programme targets unemployed individuals specified in Article 25, points 2-9, and aims to help them integrate into the labor market. It also creates special conditions for the unemployed specified in Article 25, points 1, 10, 11, 12, and 13 to remain in the labor market. The programme is national in scope. The programme includes wage subsidies for employers hiring the specified individuals. The subsidy amount is calculated based on the provisions of Article 41, parts 2, 3, and 4 of the law. The subsidy is paid for up to 6 months within an 18-month period, up to 36 months within a 48-month period, or indefinitely, depending on the category of the employed individuals. The article's revision takes effect from July 1, 2024.

In 2019, Lithuanian retailers "IKI" and "Rimi" launched significant campaigns aimed at changing society's attitude towards older persons, addressing ageism, and promoting their inclusion in both the workforce and society. "IKI" introduced a loyalty card specifically for seniors, which led to over 150,000 older customers benefiting from special discounts and privileges. They also launched an image campaign that portrayed older adults as vibrant and energetic, effectively challenging negative stereotypes about ageing. "Rimi" conducted the social experiment “#AmžiusNesvarbu” (“Age Doesn't Matter”), focusing on the employment challenges faced by older people. This campaign resulted in a 10% increase in the hiring of older employees within the company, demonstrating that age should not be a barrier to employment. The campaign also sparked widespread public discussions on age discrimination. Overall, these efforts contributed to a broader societal awareness, initiating a shift towards greater inclusion and appreciation of older adults in both the workplace and public life.

The main goal of the Strategy for the Demographic, Migration and Integration Policy for 2018–2030 is to ensure a positive change in population numbers and a balanced age structure. Specific objectives include creating a family-friendly environment, managing migration flows to meet state needs, and integrating older individuals into society. The policy is coordinated by the Government of Lithuania. It involves families, migrants, older persons, and various societal and governmental stakeholders. The strategy covers demographic, migration, and integration policy from 2018 to 2030. It targets the Lithuanian population, focusing on families, migrants, and older persons, across the national territory. The policy includes improving services for families and children, ensuring equal rights and opportunities for men and women, financial incentives for child-rearing families, and enhancing health and social security. It also emphasizes the importance of maintaining connections with the country and managing the diaspora effectively. The strategy will be implemented through various actions and measures designed to improve the demographic situation, including promoting family values, supporting return migration, and ensuring the well-being of older citizens. The strategy aims for long-term demographic stability and improved social and economic conditions by 2030.

The "Pasinaudok galimybe" ("Take the Opportunity") campaign was initiated by the Lithuanian Employment Service in 2017 and funded by the European Social Fund (ESF), ran until 2021. This initiative, implemented at the national government level in Lithuania, specifically targeted unemployed individuals over the age of 54, aiming to improve their skills and increase their chances of securing employment. Key measures included providing tailored vocational training programs, offering travel allowances, and paying stipends during the training period. By June 2023, the project exceeded its target with 15,558 participants involved in the ESF activities. Of those who completed the training, 44.56% gained new qualifications, surpassing the expected 42%. Furthermore, 63% of the participants who completed the program successfully transitioned into employment or started their own business, exceeding the initial target of 35%.

The "Aids at Home Services" law in Lithuania, initiated by the Ministry of Social Security and Labour in 2006 and revised in 2024, includes addressing the challenges of formal and informal care, as well as social isolation among older persons. The law aims to ensure that older persons, especially those with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or social vulnerabilities, receive adequate care and remain socially connected. Implemented at the national level by the Lithuanian Government, services are provided by a network of social workers, healthcare professionals, and community organizations. The target population includes older persons in need of both formal care (such as long-term care services and psychological support) and informal care (support for family caregivers), as well as those at risk of social isolation. The policy provides specific measures like home-based care services, transportation assistance, support for informal caregivers through training and respite care, and initiatives to combat social isolation through community-based activities and psychological counseling.

The "National Strategy for Overcoming Consequences of Ageing Population" was approved by the Lithuanian Government in 2004, consolidated the aim to apply the principles of active ageing and to create such conditions as to make it possible for older persons to have full-fledged personal, professional and cultural life now and in the future, to have their experience appreciated and used, and to have them respected and sure about the future. It is implemented by the Ministry of Social Security and Labor, along with other key ministries and local governments. It targets the entire ageing population of Lithuania, particularly those over 60 years old, and aims to improve their quality of life and ensure their active participation in society. Key measures include a new pension accumulation system that allows individuals to save part of their social insurance contributions in private pension funds, adding financial security for retirement. This, along with state and social assistance pensions, forms Lithuania's three-tier pension system. The strategy emphasizes the necessity of expanding care services, particularly home care, community services, and geriatric care facilities. It also provides social assistance for low-income retirees, including housing subsidies and compensation for basic services such as heating and water.