Browse Ageing Policies

The "Safe Long-Term Care Act" is being developed by the Government of Canada, led by the Minister of Health and the Minister of Seniors, with a planned introduction in 2024-25. Implemented at the national level and informed by extensive consultations and engagements during summer and fall 2023, the Act targets long-term care recipients across Canada, with particular focus on the needs of older persons. It aims to enhance the safety and quality of long-term care while respecting provincial and territorial jurisdiction. Key measures include consultations with experts, stakeholders, individuals with lived experience, provinces, and territories to shape the Act’s provisions. Additionally, the government has collaborated with First Nations and Inuit partners and conducted a public online consultation on safe long-term care, gathering diverse feedback to inform the Act. The feedback received from these consultations has been wide-ranging and very informative. The legislation will respect provincial and territorial jurisdiction; it will not mandate standards or regulate long-term care delivery.

The "Bill C-64, An Act Respecting Pharmacare (Pharmacare Act)" was introduced by the Government of Canada on February 29, 2024 to establish the foundational principles for national universal pharmacare. Implemented at the national level and led by the Minister of Health, this proposed legislation targets all Canadians, aiming to ensure universal, single-payer, first-dollar coverage for key medications, initially focusing on contraception and diabetes medications. Key measures include a commitment to collaborate with provinces and territories to provide comprehensive coverage and the establishment of a fund supporting access to diabetic devices and supplies. The Act mandates the Canadian Drug Agency to develop a national formulary and a bulk purchasing strategy for cost-effective drug procurement. It also calls for a pan-Canadian strategy on appropriate prescription drug use. Additionally, the Minister of Health is tasked with forming a committee of experts to make recommendations on the operation and financing of a single-payer pharmacare model. By reducing financial barriers to essential medications, the Act addresses the healthcare needs of older persons, who often face higher medication costs due to age-related health conditions.

The "Vocational Training and Additional Vocational Education for Certain Categories of Citizens" was introduced in 2021 in Russia as part of the national project "Demography". Implemented at the national level and led by relevant governmental bodies, this initiative targets vulnerable groups in the labour market, specifically including citizens aged 50 and over and those nearing retirement age. It aims to enhance labour resource qualifications to balance the labour market and create conditions that promote active societal participation, prevent discrimination, and protect citizens' rights. Key measures include vocational training and additional education programmes that equip participants with new skills, improve employability, and shorten job search times. The selection of programmes is tailored to regional labour market demands, increasing participants' chances of finding employment in high-demand fields. Between 2021 and 2023, approximately 587,000 citizens received training, with 184,500 aged 50 and above, fostering professional mobility and adaptation to workplace demands. From 2025, this initiative will continue under the national project "Personnel". Training programmes prioritize quality employment and adaptability for older persons, enhancing their role in the workforce.

The "Pension Provision in the Russian Federation" was established in 2018 by the Government of the Russian Federation to secure a sustainable and equitable pension system. Implemented at the national level, this policy covers the entire Russian population, ensuring 100% of citizens are either receiving pensions or entitled to them upon meeting eligibility criteria. It targets both working-age citizens approaching retirement and current pensioners, primarily those aged 60 and above. This system, based on compulsory pension insurance, aims to balance revenues and expenditures to provide a socially acceptable pension level. Key measures include the provision of insurance pensions, categorized into retirement, disability, and survivor pensions, which are funded through a nearly entirely distributive (solidarity) model. For those who lack eligibility for insurance pensions, social pensions are provided. Additionally, Federal Law No. 350-FZ, enacted in 2018, strengthens the system’s financial stability to ensure sustainable pension increases, with plans for indexation above inflation rates and a 7.3% increase in insurance pensions by January 2025. The government also guarantees that non-working pensioners’ incomes meet the subsistence minimum in their region, and all pension benefits are adjusted annually based on investment returns, ensuring a steady growth in pension levels over time.

The "Law to Strengthen Nursing Education at Universities, to Facilitate the Recognition of Foreign Nursing Qualifications and to Amend Other Regulations (Nursing Studies Strengthening Act)" was introduced in 2024 in Germany to amend the Nursing Professions Act. Implemented at the national level and led by the German government, the law targets nursing students and foreign-trained nursing professionals to address growing demands in healthcare, especially concerning the care of older persons. The law aims to enhance nursing education and support the integration of foreign nursing professionals. Key measures include making nursing studies a dual course of study beginning in 2024, allowing students to gain both academic and practical experience while receiving training remuneration for the entire duration of their studies. From 2025, the curriculum will incorporate expanded medical skills, with a focus on diabetic metabolism, chronic wounds, and dementia—conditions commonly associated with older persons, thereby enhancing the quality of care for older persons. Additionally, the law seeks to standardize and simplify recognition procedures for foreign nursing qualifications, facilitating the entry of qualified professionals into the German healthcare system to support the needs of an ageing population.

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 "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 new student loan policy was introduced by the Swedish government through CSN (Centrala studiestödsnämnden) in 2022 and implemented at the national level in Sweden. It offers updated terms for student loans, particularly focusing on older students. The policy extends the age limit for obtaining student loans to the year an individual turns 60, making it easier for older individuals to pursue further education. Additionally, the repayment period has been adjusted so that the loan must be fully repaid by the end of the year the borrower turns 64, instead of 60 as it was previously. For those who had already taken loans before 2022, the policy allows the option to combine their old loans with the new ones, simplifying the repayment process by consolidating the payments into a single annual amount. The new loan structure includes a 25-year repayment period, an interest rate of 0.59% for 2023, and specific provisions for administrative fees and potential loan forgiveness at the age of 72.

The Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act aims to strengthen legal protections against age discrimination in the workplace. Its primary goals are to revise the evidentiary standard for age discrimination claims, to allow mixed-motive claims where age is a motivating factor, even if not the sole cause, and to align the legal standards with other anti-discrimination laws. The key institution involved is the U.S. Congress, with the bill being introduced in the House. Main stakeholders include older workers, employers, legal professionals, and advocacy groups for older persons. The Act has a national scope across the United States. It affects all sectors employing older workers, particularly those aged 40 and above, who are part of the workforce. Key features of the Act include allowing the use of any admissible evidence sufficient for a reasonable fact-finder to conclude that discrimination occurred, not requiring the complainant to prove that age was the sole cause of the employer's adverse decisions and applying the revised standard to various employment discrimination and retaliation claims.The law was enacted in 2021.

The Government Bill 2020/21:175, Enhanced skills in health and social care – regulation of the profession of assistant nurse has the purpose to ensure the competence of assistant nurses by introducing a protected professional title. The law thus aims to enhance the quality and safety of care and social services. The law is mainly implemented by the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs. Key stakeholders include municipalities, regions, and private care providers. It applies nationally across Sweden. It affects assistant nurses working in both municipal and regional healthcare and social services, particularly in older care. Some of its main features are its protected title (only individuals with a certificate of competence can use the title “assistant nurse”), education requirements (the new educational content in the upper secondary school's health and social care program will be the basis for obtaining the protected title), transition measures (current assistant nurses can continue using their title for ten years without the new certification). The law emphasizes the importance of assistant nurses in care, ensuring they have the necessary skills and qualifications. The law was adopted on 8 April 2021.

The Long-Term Care Act aims to regulate the system of long-term care (LTC) in Slovenia, to define the rights and obligations of providers and beneficiaries of LTC, to determine the tasks of the state and local communities, and to establish the sources and methods of financing LTC. The main institutions involved in the policy are Ministries of Health and Social Affairs, the Health Insurance Institute of Slovenia, and the National Institute of Public Health. The policy applies to the entire population of Slovenia, regardless of their income, health or social status. The policy includes the following key features and strategies: A set of measures, services and activities aimed at strengthening and maintaining the independence of the beneficiaries, reducing the need for assistance or preventing the deterioration of their condition, and providing assistance with basic and supportive daily activities and health care related to them. A procedure and methods of exercising the rights to LTC, which involves applying for, assessing, deciding, appealing, and implementing the rights, as well as the duties of the beneficiary and the provider. The law entered into force on 1 July 2021.

The Employment Promotion Act aims to regulate public relations in employment promotion, employment security, vocational guidance, and adult training. It also focuses on mediation for job placement within Bulgaria and other countries. The primary institutions involved are the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy and the National Employment Agency. Key stakeholders include employers, workers, employees, and various non-profit legal entities. This policy covers Bulgarian citizens, EU citizens, and other eligible individuals seeking employment in Bulgaria. It applies nationally and includes sectors such as vocational training, employment mediation, and adult education. Article 55a provides financial support to employers who hire unemployed persons over 55 years of age. The support is available for up to 12 months. The unemployed individuals must be directed by the National Employment Agency. Employers receive sums according to Art. 30a, para 2, for the duration of employment. In terms of timeframe, the article was introduced together with the rest of the Act in 2001, and last amended in 2021.

The Supporting Older Americans Act of 2020 is the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA). The objectives of the act are to modernize and improve the OAA programs, address the needs and preferences of older adults, and reflect the input of various stakeholders. The institutions involved in the act include the Administration for Community Living, the state and area agencies on ageing, and the service providers. The scope of the act covers older individuals who are at risk of losing their independence due to poor health, disability, or social isolation, with priority given to those with the greatest economic or social need. The act includes the reauthorization and revision of various OAA titles, such as supportive services, nutrition services, caregiver support, elder justice, and Native American programs. The act also introduces new provisions, such as statutory authority for the National Resource Center for Women and Retirement, a demonstration project for recruiting and retaining direct care workers, and increased funding for disease prevention and health promotion activities. The outputs of the act are expected to improve the quality of life, health outcomes, and to reduce the demand for costly institutional care. The act was signed into law in 2020.

The Government Decision no. 426/2020 on the approval of cost standards aims to approve cost standards for the financing of social services provided by public social service providers. The policy involves the Romanian Government, specifically the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, the Ministry of Public Works, Development, and Administration, and the Ministry of Public Finance. The policy has a national scope, affecting local budgets and state budget revenues for social services across Romania. It targets social service beneficiaries, including children, adults with disabilities, older persons, and victims of family violence. The policy outlines cost standards for various social services, such as residential services for children and older persons, home care services for older persons, and services to prevent and combat family violence. It includes specific cost standards per beneficiary per year and stipulates that personnel expenses should not exceed 80% of the cost standard. The decision was enacted in 2020.

The Autonomous Province of Bolzano of Italy launched a campaign in 2020 to combat multigenerational stereotypes and promote understanding between age groups. It aligns with the Active Ageing Law by promoting a society where older individuals are respected and integrated, aiming to raise awareness of the social impact of generational stereotypes and foster solidarity across different age groups. The province provides a set of measures addressed to District Communities and Municipalities for the promotion of these campaigns. It was implemented at the regional level in Bolzano, Northern Italy, by the Department for Family, Social Affairs, and Community. It targeted the whole community, with a particular focus on younger and older populations. The campaign utilized public media, workshops, and educational programs to facilitate dialogue and break down prejudices. Collaborative efforts between NGOs, schools, and community groups further supported these goals. As a result, the initiative has helped to raise awareness, enhance social cohesion, and foster mutual respect between generations.

The CDI inclusion policy aims to provide stable employment for individuals aged 57 and above who face significant social and professional challenges. It seeks to facilitate their transition from temporary to permanent employment within the framework of economic activity inclusion (IAE). The policy involves Structures for Integration through Economic Activity (SIAE), including Enterprises for Integration (EI), Temporary Work Integration Enterprises (ETTI), Intermediate Associations (AI), and Workshops and Integration Projects (ACI). The French Government, particularly the Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Integration, is a key stakeholder. The policy targets individuals aged 57 and above who have completed at least 12 months in an IAE pathway. It is implemented nationwide, affecting various sectors where SIAE operate. The CDI inclusion allows SIAE to offer permanent contracts to eligible individuals. It includes financial aid, calculated based on hours worked, to support these contracts. The policy also sets a limit on the proportion of CDI inclusion contracts within each SIAE, with possible exceptions granted by the prefect. The policy was adopted on December 14, 2020, with various measures coming into effect from December 16, 2020, and full implementation starting on September 1, 2021.

The primary goal of § 16e SGB II is to integrate long-term unemployed individuals into the general labor market by enhancing their employability and facilitating their transition to unsubsidized employment. The policy is managed by the Federal Employment Agency and involves various job centers and employers. The policy targets long-term unemployed individuals who have been jobless for at least two years. It applies nationally across Germany and aims to support both men and women equally, with specific considerations for single parents and mothers in dual-income households. Key features include the introduction of wage subsidies which employers receive for hiring long-term unemployed individuals. Additionally, participants receive holistic support, including job coaching and training. The policy allows for part-time employment and gradual increase in working hours. Finally, in terms of monitoring and evaluation, the policy mentions regular assessments and adjustments ensure the effectiveness of the support provided. The policy has been in effect since October 14, 2020, with ongoing adjustments and updates.

The objective of this governmental decision is to increase the care allowance for individuals in the third and fourth degrees of dependency, supporting informal caregivers who provide continuous home care. The policy is implemented by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs of the Czech Republic. Key stakeholders include informal caregivers and individuals with high dependency levels. The policy targets individuals in the third and fourth degrees of dependency across the Czech Republic. It specifically benefits those not receiving residential social services. Key features of the policy include that, from April 1, 2019, the care allowance for individuals in the fourth degree of dependency increased from 13,200 CZK to 19,200 CZK. For the third degree, the allowance increased from July 1, 2019, to 13,900 CZK for children and 12,800 CZK for adults. The increased allowance is applied automatically, with no need for recipients to apply. As of February 2019, nearly 360,500 allowances were paid, indicating significant financial support for dependent individuals and their caregivers. The policy was introduced in 2019.

The primary goal of the Personal Assistance Act and Ordinance No. RD-07-7 of 28.06.2019 for inclusion in the mechanism of personal assistance is to establish a framework for the provision of personal assistance to individuals with disabilities. It aims to ensure proper implementation, avoid double funding, and regulate the agreements between users, assistants, and providers. The main institutions involved are the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy, municipalities, and the Social Assistance Agency. Key stakeholders include individuals with disabilities, their legal representatives, and personal assistants. This policy targets individuals with disabilities across the nation who have been assessed and issued a directive for personal assistance. It covers the procedures for applying, providing, and monitoring personal assistance services. Key features include the application process, criteria for selecting personal assistants, and the terms of agreements between users and providers. The policy outlines the responsibilities of municipalities and the Social Assistance Agency in overseeing the provision of services, ensuring compliance, and preventing double funding. Training for assistants and users is also mandated. As this policy was established in 2019, its impacts include improved access to personal assistance for individuals with disabilities and better regulation of service provision.

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.