Browse Ageing Policies

The "Programme on Active and Healthy Ageing for the Years 2023–2027" was introduced in 2023 by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection in Moldova. Implemented at the national level and led by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, the programme targets individuals aged 60 and above. It aims to mainstream the principle of active ageing across all sectoral policies, reduce discrimination and stereotypes toward older people, and consolidate the efforts of all stakeholders to promote policies that address the needs of the ageing population. Key measures include integrating ageing considerations into regional and local development projects, implementing workplace mentoring involving older persons, and expanding the national statistical framework on ageing indicators, such as healthy life expectancy and access to cultural services. Additionally, the programme promotes lifelong learning through the "University for the 3rd Age" initiative, pilots sports and cultural services adapted for older people, and enhances community mobilization services for older persons. The programme also includes an Active Ageing Small Grants Programme and the development of a National Platform of ICT Equipment for Older People, ensuring accessible digital resources. Partnering entities include the Ministries of Education, Infrastructure, Culture, Health, and Internal Affairs, alongside local authorities and research institutions.

The Programme on Active and Healthy Ageing for 2023–2027 was approved by the Government of the Republic of Moldova in 2023. It is led by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, involves national and local stakeholders, including government authorities, civil society, and development partners like UNFPA and UNECE. It is implemented at the national level, targeting older persons across the Republic of Moldova. It aims to improve access to social services, integrate ageing into sectoral policies, and enhance community participation. Key features include expanding social services in 50 communities, such as creating new day centers and home care services, and improving access to essential services like sanitation, water, and waste collection in regions with significant older populations. The programme also focuses on fostering regional economic and social development to directly benefit older persons. Additionally, it integrates ageing into five key sectoral policies, enhances digital literacy among older persons through the creation of a national ICT platform, and supports lifelong learning opportunities aligned with the "2030 Education Development Strategy." The programme emphasizes the collection of systematic statistical data to monitor the integration of ageing across all sectors. It aims to raise the Active Ageing Index from 28.7 points in 2020 to 36.8 points by 2027.

The "Draft Regulation for Integrated Community Assistance" was introduced by the Government of the Republic of Moldova in 2023, building upon earlier pilot projects in three districts, including the integrated care model approved by the Falesti District Council at the end of 2020. It is implemented at the local level in the Republic of Moldova, specifically involving local public administrations (Level I and II) and community-based institutions. The regulation aims to integrate health, social, and other services for continuous, comprehensive support, promoting a shift from a disease-centered to a person-centered care model, particularly focusing on the complex needs of vulnerable populations. To develop the capacities of those involved in the process and to establish an efficient management in the field of integrated care, seminars are organized on basic elements of integrated care, organizational culture and individual-centered approach, involving experts from the International Foundation for Integrated Care. The regulation also places special emphasis on community involvement, encouraging the support of vulnerable groups through volunteers and civil society organizations. Local public administrations and other cooperating entities are required to ensure the necessary infrastructure and funding for service delivery, including transportation, home care, and cleaning services.

The "Age of Action" campaign, supported by HelpAge International, the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women, and the German Federal Republic (BMZ), was launched on June 15, 2018, aligning with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. It advocates for older persons' rights to autonomy, long-term care, and protection against violence. Participants included government agencies of the Republic of Moldova, international organizations, civil society organizations and media representatives. The campaign stresses the need for "Active Ageing" in government agendas, urging involvement in UN discussions on older persons' care and rights. Four discussion groups explored the following theme: How to ensure that statistics on the impact of abuse and violence against older persons are regularly collected and their development monitored? What are the existing social, nursing and medical services in the Republic of Moldova? What services need to be created or expanded for older adults experiencing violence and abuse? Are there enough professionals to meet the demand for these services?

The Law no.105 of 14.06.2018 on the employment promotion and unemployment has the purpose to prevent and reduce unemployment, mitigate its social effects, and ensure a high level of employment by adapting the workforce to market demands. The main institutions involved in its implementation are the Government of the Republic of Moldova, specifically the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Social Protection, and the National Employment Agency. Other stakeholders include local public authorities, social partners, non-commercial organizations, and employers. This law applies to citizens of the Republic of Moldova, individuals and legal entities operating within or outside the country, and specific categories of foreigners. It covers the national labour market and aims to support various population groups, including those at risk of unemployment. The law foresees strategies that include increasing employment opportunities, supporting job seekers, and encouraging employers to hire unemployed individuals. The law introduces an unemployment Insurance which provides financial support to insured individuals who are unemployed. Additionally, the provisions of the law include job matching services, vocational training, and employment subsidies. Finally, specific measures for elderly people include facilitating their employment through adapted workplaces and continuous professional development. The law was adopted on June 14, 2018.

The policy document “The programme on adult education within lifelong learning” was introduced in 2017, updated in 2022, and is ongoing. It aims to provide continuous education opportunities for all adults to enhance their professional and social skills, addressing the need for lifelong learning in a rapidly changing socioeconomic environment. The policy is implemented at the national level, with the Ministry of Education and Research and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection as the lead entities. The policy targets all adults, including older persons, ensuring their access to education regardless of age. Key features include the establishment of formal, non-formal, and informal educational programmes, the adaptation of training to market needs, and the use of modern technologies. The policy also mandates that training providers must be accredited and adhere to quality standards, ensuring that participants gain recognized qualifications. The policy outlines various sources of funding for adult education, including tuition fees, external project funding, donations, and other legal revenues.

The Action Plan on the implementation of the active ageing principle for the years 2018–2021 aims to integrate the issues of ageing into the general and sectoral development policies in order to promote the rights, interests, and well-being of older persons. The policy is cross-sectorial and involves the collaboration of various ministries and central administrative authorities, local public authorities, the National Commission for Population and Development, and civil society organisations. It covers the whole population of the Republic of Moldova, with a special focus on older persons aged 50 and over, who represent about 20% of the total population. Some of the key objectives are: - To ensure adequate social protection and financial security for current and future generations of older persons, by reforming the pension system, and improving social assistance and services. - To improve the health and well-being of older persons, by integrating the ageing perspective into the health policies and services and enhancing the prevention and management of chronic diseases and functional limitations. - To promote lifelong learning and education for older persons, by expanding the opportunities for formal and non-formal education. - The law was approved in 2017 and implemented between 2018 and 2021.