Browse Ageing Policies

The "Survey on the Profile of Older Persons" was conducted for the first time in 2023 in Türkiye by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TURKSTAT) in collaboration with the Ministry of Family and Social Services (MoFSS). Implemented at the national level, this survey targets older persons to gather concrete data that will inform policy and service development for Türkiye’s ageing population. The survey aims to consolidate existing data and obtain indicators of older persons' welfare, serving as a foundation for creating effective social policies for this population. Key measures include collecting demographic and socio-economic data disaggregated by age and gender to provide insights into older persons’ living conditions. The results of the survey were shared with the public in March 2024. As a result of the Survey, demographic and socio-economic data disaggregated on the basis of age and gender were obtained, which will be the basis for the formulation of social policies for older persons.

The Labour Law (Law No. 4857) of Türkiye has the purpose to regulate the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees regarding working conditions and the work environment. The main stakeholders involved are employers, employees, and employer representatives. The Ministry of Labour and Social Security oversees the implementation and enforcement of the law. This law applies to all workplaces, employers, and employees, except for specific exceptions such as maritime and air transport, agricultural enterprises with fewer than 50 workers, and family businesses. It covers the entire national territory of Turkey. Article 4 focuses on the exceptions, as the law does not apply to certain jobs and work relationships. Article 5 focuses on the topics of non-discrimination, as the employers cannot discriminate based on language, race, colour, gender, disability, political opinion, philosophical belief, religion, or similar reasons, equal treatment (part-time and full-time employees, as well as those with fixed-term and indefinite contracts, must be treated equally unless there are essential reasons), gender equality (no lower wages for the same or equivalent work based on gender. Protective provisions for gender should not justify lower wages), and on compensations (employees can claim compensation if discriminated against, up to four months' wages, plus any other rights they were deprived of). It was adopted on May 22, 2003, and published in the Official Gazette on June 10, 2003.

The National Action Plan on the Rights of Older Persons (2023–2025) is a strategic initiative by the Government of Türkiye, led by the Ministry of Family and Social Services, in collaboration with various government agencies, local authorities, civil society organizations, and international bodies. It complements the broader Ageing Vision Document, targeting older individuals in Türkiye, particularly those facing challenges related to social services, healthcare, and participation in social and economic life. It aims to mainstream the concepts of ageing and the rights of older persons into the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation processes of policies, programmes, and services. Key measures include establishing specialized healthcare centres for older persons and providing mobile health services in remote areas. These healthcare centres will be equipped with medical facilities and staffed by professionals trained in geriatric care, providing services such as routine check-ups, chronic disease management, and rehabilitation. To ensure accessibility for those in rural or underserved areas, mobile health units will bring essential medical services directly to older persons who may otherwise lack access to care. Additionally, the policy mandates the implementation of age-friendly urban planning initiatives, including the installation of ramps, elevators, and other mobility aids in public spaces and buildings.

The Ageing Vision Document is a strategic framework introduced in 2023 by the Government of Türkiye, guided by the Ministry of Family and Social Services. It is implemented between 2023 and 2025 at the national level, alongside the National Action Plan on the Rights of Older Persons. It aims to ensure that older persons in Türkiye can live dignified, independent, and active lives. It targets older persons who face challenges in accessing social services, healthcare, and participating in social and economic life. Key measures include urban planning initiatives to make public spaces, transportation, and housing more accessible to older persons. This involves installing ramps, elevators, and age-friendly public facilities to help older persons live independently and fully engage in society. The policy also establishes specialized healthcare centres for older persons and provides mobile health services in remote areas to ensure comprehensive and accessible healthcare. Additionally, the policy mandates the creation of emergency response plans, including evacuation procedures that consider the mobility limitations of older persons and establishing specialized shelters to meet their needs during disasters.

The “Parliamentary Research Commission” was established in June 2022 in Türkiye to investigate the problems experienced by older persons in various areas of life and to determine the measures to be taken. During the working process of the Commission, a national-level comprehensive report containing the problems of older persons and solution suggestions for these problems was prepared. This report was presented by the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) in 2023, compiled by a special parliamentary commission formed by members of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, including various stakeholders from governmental bodies, academics, NGOs, and experts. It targets older persons in Türkiye, particularly those experiencing difficulties in accessing healthcare, social services, and facing discrimination in various spheres of life. It identifies challenges faced by older persons in Türkiye, including social exclusion, difficulties accessing healthcare and social services, digital illiteracy, and economic insecurity. It provided key recommendations which include promoting active ageing, creating age-friendly environments, strengthening legal protections, and encouraging policy coordination among government, NGOs, and the private sector. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure effective policy implementation and advocates for public education campaigns to raise awareness about older persons' rights.

The Digital Spring Project, initiated in 2021 and ongoing, is led by the Ministry of Family and Social Services at the national level in Türkiye. It targets older persons in nursing homes across the country, aiming to increase the participation of older persons and their families in social life, enhance their independent living skills through digital technology, and encourage practices that improve quality of life. Key measures include free, voluntary digital literacy training. The training project was launched in 5 pilot nursing homes in Istanbul in 2021 and has expanded to 43 provinces by September 2023, helping 1,923 older persons receive digital and financial literacy training under the ministry. It also established 10 "Digital Spring Rooms" in 9 nursing homes. In these rooms, older persons can actively use technology tools and the Internet to meet, see, and hear the voices and images of their distant loved ones.

The purpose of Article 5 of the Labour Law No. 4857, titled “Principle of Equal Treatment”, is to ensure non-discrimination in employment based on language, race, colour, gender, disability, political opinion, philosophical belief, religion, and similar reasons. The article – and the law in general – involves employers and employees in all sectors, with oversight by relevant labour authorities. This article applies to all employment relationships within Türkiye, covering both full-time and part-time workers, as well as those on fixed-term and indefinite contracts. Key features include prohibiting discrimination in hiring, working conditions, and termination based on gender or pregnancy. It mandates equal pay for equal work regardless of gender and allows employees to claim compensation for violations. Employers must adhere to these regulations, and employees can seek redress through legal channels if discrimination occurs. Specific measures targeting older persons are not mentioned. The policy was adopted on February 6, 2014.

The Home Care Assistance Regulation has the purpose to establish the procedures and principles for providing home care assistance to individuals with disabilities who require care, as outlined in the Social Services Law No. 2828. The policy is implemented by the Ministry of Family and Social Services and the Ministry of Treasury and Finance. It applies to individuals with disabilities whose household income per capita is less than two-thirds of the monthly net minimum wage. It covers home care assistance for these individuals across Türkiye. Some of the main features of the policy are its eligibility criteria (individuals must have a health report indicating their need for care and must be unable to perform daily activities independently), caregiver requirements (caregivers must be 18 years or older and can be a relative or legal guardian), financial assistance (monthly payments are made to caregivers based on a specific calculation involving the civil servant monthly coefficient). The policy includes regular assessments and reports by a designated committee to ensure compliance and effectiveness. It also features provisions for older individuals who are dependent on others for daily activities, ensuring they receive the necessary home care support. The policy was adopted on May 26, 2023.