Browse Ageing Policies

The COVID-19-related health crisis has highlighted various shortcomings in the care and support of the mental health of older persons, particularly those living in residential care homes. To address these, the Walloon Agency for a Quality Life (Agence Wallonne pour une Vie de Qualité – AVIQ) has hired coordinating psychologists in seven pilot institutions. The latter are responsible for cooperating with the existing psychiatric home care services for older persons (soins psychiatriques pour personnes agées à domicile), developing a mental health network in nursing homes, raising awareness among caregivers in the field by setting up specific and thematic workshops, and working in partnership with the establishment’s coordinating physician. The primary objective is to improve the psychological monitoring of older persons living in residential care homes and to reduce mental health disorders in nursing homes (and care homes). At the same time, the AVIQ also wishes to better equip the teams and promote well-being at work.

The primary goal of the Annual Report 2021 of the Ageing Study Committee is to analyze and address the budgetary and social consequences of an ageing population in Belgium. It aims to ensure the sustainability of social expenditures and pensions while maintaining social equity among older persons. The main institution involved is the Comité d'Étude sur le Vieillissement (CEV), which operates under the High Council of Finance of Belgium. Key stakeholders include the Belgian government, social security institutions, and older persons. The report has a national scope, covering the entire geographical area of Belgium. The report includes: - Long-term projections of social expenditures up to 2070. - Evaluation of pension sustainability and poverty risk among older persons. - Scenarios based on demographic and economic assumptions. - Consideration of the COVID-19 impact on economic and social factors. As of the 2021 report, the long-term economic consequences of the COVID-19 crisis seem more limited than initially expected. Specific milestones include periodic assessments of the poverty risk among older persons and adjustments to social policies to ensure sustainability.

The Decree on the Organization of Primary Care, Regional Healthcare Platforms, and Support for Primary Care Providers is a comprehensive policy enacted by the Flemish Parliament and sanctioned by the Flemish Government. Its overarching objectives are to improve the accessibility and quality of primary care, foster integrated and interdisciplinary healthcare, and bolster support for primary care providers. The decree delineates primary care zones and providers, underscores the significance of integrated care and support, and advocates for interdisciplinary collaboration among healthcare professionals. The institutions and stakeholders integral to this policy include the Flemish Government, primary care providers, regional healthcare platforms, patients, and informal caregivers. The scope of the decree extends to the organization of primary care within specified zones, operational cooperation among healthcare actors, and the provision of coherent and continuous care. It applies to the Flemish community, defining primary care, providers, and integrated care, and promotes interdisciplinary cooperation with specific actions such as establishing care councils and supporting informal caregivers. The decree's main features involve legislative measures for implementation, collaboration between local administrations and healthcare providers, and support mechanisms for informal caregivers. The decree was enacted in 2019.

The "The Citizenship of Older Adults" (La Citoyenneté des Personnes âgées) brochure, published in 2015, is a comprehensive document that addresses the importance of recognizing and maintaining the political citizenship of older individuals, especially those in dependent situations. It challenges the prevailing notion that old age is a period of decline and emphasizes the need for continued electoral participation to affirm the social identity of seniors. The brochure likely involves stakeholders such as gerontology researchers and policymakers and covers the French-speaking older population in institutional settings. It advocates for strategies that support the dignity and autonomy of older persons, ensuring their political rights are respected and suggesting institutional reforms for enhanced participation. The brochure underscores the integrative role of political engagement in preventing the social and political exclusion of older persons. The document reflects ongoing discussions in gerontology, aiming to keep older individuals actively involved in democratic processes.

The Decree of July 17, 2003, relating to the development of ongoing educational action in the field of associative life, aims to foster the development of associations in the field of lifelong education in Wallonia. It aims to encourage critical analysis of society, stimulate democratic and collective initiatives, develop active citizenship and promote the exercise of social, cultural, environmental, and economic rights. Specifically, the government allocates to any recognized association an annual fixed operating subsidy within the limit of available budgetary credits. The main institution involved is the Government of the Walloon Region and its regional Ministry of Education. The stakeholders include recognized associations in the field of lifelong education and adults who are the target of the educational activities. The policy covers the field of lifelong education with a focus on adult education. It is applicable within the geographical area of the Walloon Region and affects sectors related to social, cultural, and educational development. The policy envisages: 1) Support for associations that facilitate adults' understanding of societal issues. 2) Development of critical thinking and decision-making skills. 3) Encouragement of active participation in various aspects of societal life.