Browse Ageing Policies

The Programme of Socio-economic Development of the Republic of Belarus for 2021–2025, approved by Presidential Decree No. 292 on July 29, 2021, aims to create conditions for the growth of citizens' well-being, ensure comfortable living standards in all regions of the country, and promote the development of human potential. A key focus of the program is the further advancement of non-residential social service technologies, including caregiver services, home-based social care, and support for isolated older individuals. As part of this initiative, at least 25 new structural units will be established within territorial social service centres, and more than 40 state social service institutions will undergo reconstruction and major renovations. Additionally, local government bodies will expand their efforts to provide household assistance and additional social support to war veterans, isolated older persons, and other socially vulnerable groups. Through these measures, the program seeks to enhance the accessibility and quality of social services, thereby contributing to improved social welfare and the overall quality of life for all citizens.

The National Strategy "Active Longevity – 2030" of the Republic of Belarus, approved by the Council of Ministers on December 3, 2020, aims to create an inclusive society for people of all ages, enabling older adults to realize their potential fully and effectively. The strategy seeks to enhance the quality of life for older citizens through the systematic adaptation of state and social institutions to population ageing. Key objectives include protecting the rights and dignity of older citizens, fostering their social inclusion and participation, encouraging longer working lives, and ensuring a comfortable income level. The strategy also aims to provide lifelong learning opportunities, expand access to education and skills development, create a safe and healthy living environment, and develop social services that contribute to a decent quality of life for older adults. Another priority is to establish infrastructure and living environments adapted to the needs of older people. To achieve these goals, the strategy outlines several initiatives: establishing councils for older citizens under local executive bodies; providing legal education; organizing clubs and interest groups for older people in cultural, trade union, and civil society organizations; and developing tourist routes across Belarus tailored for older adults. Other measures include offering educational courses, enhancing digital and financial literacy, training on using social networks and online payments, and improving medical workers' qualifications in geriatric care. Additionally, the strategy calls for the refinement of legislation governing social services for older adults and the creation of spaces for social interaction, cultural activities, and sports. The "Active Longevity – 2030" strategy represents a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges and opportunities of an ageing society, promoting active participation and a high quality of life for older citizens in Belarus.

The Coalition for Decent Longevity is an informal network comprising representatives from various organizations and experts dedicated to improving the quality of life for older people in Belarus. The Coalition's primary activities include preparing proposals for the content of the National Strategy for Active Longevity and other regulatory documents related to ensuring a dignified life for older adults. It also facilitates the exchange of information and best practices on activating older adults, enhancing their quality of life, and fostering intergenerational dialogue. Additionally, the Coalition organizes discussion platforms to address issues concerning the protection of the constitutional rights and interests of older people, counters ageism, and increases the capacity of organizations working in this field. The Coalition plays a crucial role in initiating and promoting research focused on the needs and conditions of older adults, as well as the quality of services provided to them. It also advocates for raising public awareness about the real situation of older people in Belarus and works on creating a positive image of older adults in the media. The Coalition actively engages in public discussions on matters related to decent longevity and monitors the effectiveness of the National Strategy for Active Longevity and other related plans. Since its establishment in 2018, the Coalition has contributed significantly to the development of the National Strategy “Decent Longevity – 2030” and has organized the Academy of Golden Age Leaders for activists involved in self-governance in universities for the third age and other platforms aimed at empowering older adults. It also hosted the first Belarusian Forum “Decent Longevity: Equal Opportunities for All Generations,” which brought together over 200 participants from all regions of Belarus, as well as experts and guests from Austria, Germany, Israel, Kazakhstan, Russian Federation, Ukraine, Sweden, and Switzerland. Additionally, the Coalition developed an interactive Decent Longevity Map, providing information about organizations and initiatives focused on enhancing the quality of life for older citizens.

The Labour Code of the Republic of Belarus, approved by the Government and the President on July 26, 1999, establishes the legal framework for labour relations in the country. Article 14 of the Labour Code explicitly prohibits any restriction of labour rights or granting of advantages based on gender, race, nationality, social origin, language, religious or political beliefs, union membership or participation in other public associations, property or official status, age, place of residence, or physical or mental disabilities that do not hinder the performance of job duties. Discrimination on any other grounds unrelated to an employee's professional qualities or the specific nature of their work function is also strictly prohibited. The Code upholds the principle of equal rights and opportunities for all workers, promoting a fair and inclusive labour environment throughout Belarus.

The Belarusian Association of Social Workers (BASR) focuses on promoting physical, psychological, and social well-being for vulnerable groups, including older people. It aims to advance professional social work and comprehensive rehabilitation practices in Belarus. As a national public organization, BASR brings together specialists working on social insufficiency prevention, comprehensive rehabilitation, and social support for various vulnerable groups. The Association's main activities include providing professional development opportunities, along with informational, organizational, and methodological support for its members. It studies and implements best practices in social work and rehabilitation and offers social assistance to individuals unable to exercise their rights independently due to physical or developmental challenges. Additionally, BASR engages in research activities within the social sphere. Key projects of the Association targeted at older adults include the development of a modern care model for older people in rural regions of Belarus, the creation of a mobile application "olderCare" to support older care, and the design of integrated service delivery models in both public and non-governmental organizations. Other initiatives include addressing the impact of COVID-19 by strengthening mental health support for older adults and launching the "University of the Third Age" project to promote social inclusion. Established in 1996.