Browse Ageing Policies

The Royal Decree-Law 5/2013, enacted by the Spanish Government on March 15, 2013, is a comprehensive policy designed to address the challenges posed by demographic shifts, such as low birth rates and increased life expectancy, which impact the sustainability of pension systems. The decree's objectives are to promote the active ageing of the workforce and to ensure the viability of the pension system for future generations. It encompasses all regimes within the Social Security System, with the exception of the passive classes regime, which follows its specific regulations. The policy's scope is national, targeting workers nearing retirement age and those already retired who are willing to remain active. It introduces significant reforms to the retirement system, including the compatibility of receiving a pension while continuing to work, either full-time or part-time, and the regulation of early and partial retirement conditions. Additionally, the law requires companies to make economic contributions to the State in case of collective redundancies including workers aged 50 or more, aiming to discourage age discrimination and to rationalize the obligations of companies in the context of employment regulation measures.

Spain's Law 39/2006, known as the Promotion of Personal Autonomy and Care for Dependent People Act, aims to ensure equal rights for citizens requiring assistance with daily life activities due to dependency. The law's objectives are to provide a framework for promoting personal autonomy and offering care services, addressing the needs of dependent individuals. It establishes the System for Autonomy and Care for Dependency (SAAD), involving all public administrations, with the General State Administration guaranteeing a uniform set of rights nationwide. The institutions involved include the Autonomous Communities responsible for managing and providing services, and the General State Administration overseeing funding, information systems, quality standards, and professional training. The scope covers all Spanish citizens, with specific benefits like prevention, telecare, home help, and residential care. Key features include defining dependency levels, a catalogue of benefits, and the rights and obligations of beneficiaries. Implementation involves a gradual rollout based on dependency degree and resource availability, with consultative bodies like the Territorial Council ensuring system coordination. The law has been in effect since January 1, 2007.

The National Sustainable Development Strategy of Spain has as a primary goal to achieve the Agenda 2030 objectives, which include eradicating poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring prosperity for all. The strategy aims to address social, economic, and environmental challenges through sustainable development. The strategy involves multiple stakeholders, including autonomous and local administrations, civil society, the private sector, academia, and citizens. The Ministry of Social Rights and Agenda 2030 leads the initiative. The strategy covers Spain and is a cross-sectorial strategy. It emphasizes a multi-actor and multi-level approach to ensure comprehensive participation and implementation. Key features include ecological transition, social justice, gender equality, and public service enhancement. Specific actions involve promoting decent work conditions, reducing inequalities, and protecting biodiversity. Measures targeting older persons include ensuring dignified living conditions and reducing inequalities for older people, improving access to healthcare services tailored to the needs of older persons, providing financial assistance and support to older individuals to ensure economic stability or promoting active participation of older people in community activities and decision-making processes. The strategy was adopted in 2021 and it will be in force until 2030.