Browse Ageing Policies

The High Council of Older Persons is a consultative body of the Government, tasked with examining all issues related to older persons and making improvement proposals. It provides opinions and advises, more specifically, the Minister of Family, Integration, and the Greater Region on matters concerning older persons. The Council consists of 13 members delegated either by organizations for older persons or by organizations working in the interest of older persons. Additionally, there are co-opted members selected for their professional expertise in law, medicine, care, social work, human sciences, or gerontology, or for their social commitment. The Council members serve a two-year term. The Council addresses relevant issues in thematic working groups, such as: - The reform of dependency insurance. - The financial needs of retired individuals. - Municipal policies in the interest of older persons. The High Council of Older Persons was established by the law on the service quality for older persons, which was passed by the Chamber of Deputies on July 20, 2023

The "Programme gouvernemental 2018-2023" in Luxembourg was initiated in 2018, formed by the Liberals (DP), Social Democrats (LSAP), and Greens (Déi Gréng). It is implemented at the national level by the Ministry of Social Security, the Ministry of Health, and other relevant bodies. The primary goal is to ensure the country's sustainable development by addressing challenges such as housing shortages, digital transformation, and social inequalities. Some of its key initiatives for older persons include developing an "active ageing" strategy to facilitate the transition from work to retirement, integrate older immigrants, encourage voluntary work, and combat social isolation. Key initiatives also include proposals to potentially raise the retirement age and strengthen the second and third pillars - supplementary occupational pensions and private savings schemes. Additionally, it introduces a “gerontology programme” that combines digital tools developed with stakeholders to provide targeted support to older persons in need of physical, psychological or social assistance. The agreement emphasizes digital inclusion, providing ongoing training and intergenerational courses in digital skills for older persons, and measures to promote networking among them through digital platforms. Finally, it promotes the development of age-friendly housing and the renovation of existing housing to improve accessibility and safety for older persons.

The “Article L. 513-3 of the Labour Code” was initiated in 2010 by the Luxembourg Government, specifically through the Ministry of Labour, Employment, and the Social and Solidarity Economy, and further updated in 2015. Its primary goal is to establish a structured framework for creating and implementing employment retention plans. These plans aim to address challenges related to job security, particularly during economic downturns or organizational changes, by ensuring that measures are in place to retain employees, adjust work conditions, and provide necessary training or reallocation opportunities. The article is implemented at the national level in Luxembourg and the provisions apply broadly across the country and are part of the legislative framework governing labour relations and employment protections in Luxembourg. The target population is the entire workforce of the affected companies, with attention given to older employees. It mandates that any employment retention plan must include provisions that record the results of discussions between social partners, particularly addressing special measures for older employees.

The "National Portal for Continuing Vocational Training" was launched in 2008 in Luxembourg, by the National Institute for the Development of Continuing Vocational Training (INFPC), operating under the Ministry of Education, Children and Youth at the national level. This ongoing initiative aims to enhance continuous professional development and address skill gaps in the workforce. It targets all individuals seeking to improve their skills, companies investing in employee training, and training professionals. The portal is a meeting place for supply and demand in the field of training and as such lists 13,239 training courses offered by 323 member training bodies. It also acts as a one-stop shop for full information regarding lifelong training: training support, alternative routes for obtaining qualifications, events, legislation, news etc. Key measures include the centralization of training resources and financial co-funding opportunities to support professional growth. Employers can also benefit from co-financing schemes, and individuals are provided with financial incentives such as paid leave for training.

The Long-term Care Insurance Act aims to provide coverage for assistance and care services to individuals who are dependent due to physical, mental, or psychological conditions. It aims to support dependent persons in maintaining autonomy at home or in care facilities. The policy involves the Luxembourg National Health Fund (CNS) and the Evaluation and Control Administration for Long-Term Care Insurance. The policy covers essential life activities such as personal hygiene, nutrition, mobility, and household maintenance. It applies to all insured persons in Luxembourg, including those with optional insurance after a qualifying period. The law stipulates that individuals aged 60 and over can benefit from long-term care services. Younger individuals with autonomy loss are classified under different categories such as disabled or invalid. The law includes multidisciplinary assessments to determine the level of care needed, ranging from 210 to 2,171 minutes per week. It provides in-kind benefits, cash benefits, and covers technical aids and home adaptations. Additionally, the insurance covers expenses related to personal care services, medical care, and even accommodation in retirement homes. It aims to partially cover the costs associated with dependence, ensuring that older persons can afford the necessary care. The law was enacted in 2005.