Browse Ageing Policies

The "Enhancing the Age-Friendly World Web Platform and Global Database of Age-Friendly Practices" project was initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO) in March 2024, with support from a grant by the Public Health Agency of Canada. Implemented at the international level, this initiative targets global communities working to support healthy ageing. It aims to expand the Age-Friendly Communities (AFC) model worldwide by modernizing the Age-friendly World web platform and broadening access to resources that promote healthy, active living for older persons. Key measures include the modernization of the Age-friendly World platform and the Global Database of Age-Friendly Practices, along with the creation of Knowledge and Action Hubs. These hubs will increase access to evidence-based tools and guidance to inform local, evidence-based actions and reduce inequities in access to age-friendly resources. In the longer term, the project seeks to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange across communities worldwide and increase the global uptake of the AFC model, leading to improved health outcomes and quality of life for older persons in communities implementing the model. The project is expected to be completed in 2027.

The "Knowledge and Action – Building Capacity on Age-Friendly Environments" project was initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO) in March 2023 and is supported by a grant from the Public Health Agency of Canada. Implemented at the international level, this project aims to support the global uptake of the Age-Friendly Communities (AFC) model by improving access to capacity-building resources, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Key measures include adapting the existing MENTOR-AFE distance mentoring program into additional languages, formats, and geographic contexts, including the Americas, Africa, and Central and Eastern Europe. Additionally, the project will develop an introductory online course on age-friendly environments to make resources and successful experiences accessible to jurisdictions less advanced in AFC implementation. The immediate outcome will be improved availability and access to high-quality online and in-person mentoring and learning opportunities on age-friendly communities and environments (AFE) for both English and non-English speakers. Over the longer term, the project aims to increase the global uptake of the AFC model, resulting in positive health impacts and enhanced quality of life for older persons in communities implementing the model. The project is scheduled for completion in 2025.

The "Working Together to Improve Health Care in Canada: Aging with Dignity Bilateral Agreements" was introduced by the Government of Canada in collaboration with provincial and territorial governments in 2023-24. Implemented at the national level and led by the Minister of Health, this initiative targets older persons across Canada and aims to enhance the quality, accessibility, and dignity of home and long-term care services. Key measures include $3 billion over five years to improve the availability and quality of long-term care, ensuring that national standards are applied and permanent improvements are made. Additionally, $2.4 billion over four years is dedicated to expanding home care services, allowing individuals to age at home as long as possible, in line with the Common Statement of Principles on Shared Health Priorities. To support these services, $1.7 billion over five years is allocated to improve working conditions and wages for personal support workers, who play a critical role in home and long-term care. These priorities are supported by federal investments totaling $200 billion over ten years through the "Working Together to Improve Health Care for Canadians Plan" announced in February 2023, with funding adjustments planned in 2024-25 to further strengthen support workers’ conditions.

The "Improving Affordable Access to Prescription Drugs (IAAPD) Initiative in Prince Edward Island (PEI)" was introduced by the Government of Canada in partnership with the Government of PEI on August 11, 2021. Implemented at the provincial level in PEI, this initiative targets Island residents who experience high prescription costs, particularly uninsured individuals, older persons, and families with significant drug expenses. It aims to enhance access to affordable prescription drugs and contribute to the groundwork for a national universal pharmacare program. Key measures include $35 million in federal funding from 2021-22 to 2025-26, which supports the addition of new drugs to PEI’s formulary and lowers out-of-pocket costs for medications covered under provincial plans. Effective June 1, 2023, PEI reduced copays to $5 for nearly 60% of regularly used medications and expanded access to its High-Cost Drug Program. Additionally, as of July 1, 2023, the Catastrophic Drug Program was adjusted to lower the annual out-of-pocket cap on eligible medication costs for households. This partnership between the Government of Canada and PEI continues to improve affordability and access to prescription drugs for those who experience the most vulnerability, including uninsured Island residents, older persons, and families with high drug costs.

The "Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit" was introduced by the Department of Finance Canada in Budget 2022 and implemented by the Canada Revenue Agency. This policy, effective from January 1, 2023, operates at the national level and targets adults with disabilities who qualify for the Disability Tax Credit (18 years and older) and individuals aged 65 and over. It aims to support multigenerational living by providing financial assistance for home renovations that establish a secondary dwelling unit for eligible persons to live with a qualifying relation. Key measures include a refundable 15% tax credit on up to $50,000 of eligible renovation expenses, which can be claimed once per eligible person over their lifetime. Eligible renovations must be made to the principal residence of the qualifying individual and can be claimed by the eligible person, their spouse or common-law partner, and a qualifying relation who owns the dwelling. Qualifying relations include family members such as parents, grandparents, children, siblings, aunts, uncles, nephews, and nieces. Although data is not yet available due to the measure’s recent implementation, it is projected to cost approximately $25 million CAD for the 2023 tax year.

The "Home Accessibility Tax Credit" was introduced in 2015 by the Department of Finance Canada. Implemented at the national level by the Canada Revenue Agency, this policy targets persons with disabilities who are eligible for the Disability Tax Credit and adults aged 65 and older, aiming to support home modifications that improve accessibility and safety. The tax credit provides a non-refundable 15% credit on up to $20,000 of eligible renovation or alteration expenses per calendar year, allowing qualifying individuals and their eligible family members to claim these expenses on their tax return. Eligible expenses include home renovations or alterations that help qualifying individuals access their home, increase mobility and functionality within it, or reduce the risk of harm within or around the dwelling. The eligible dwelling must be the principal residence of the qualifying individual and can be owned by the individual, their spouse or common-law partner, or an eligible family member. In 2020, approximately 32,000 individuals claimed this credit, with a total program cost of roughly $15 million CAD, helping to enable ageing in place and enhance the quality of life for qualifying Canadians.

The Social Enterprise Support Fund has the primary objective to support the development and expansion of social enterprises, particularly those employing individuals from disadvantaged groups. This includes subsidizing activities, creating new jobs, and covering social and health insurance costs. The fund is managed by the government of Albania, namely the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, with additional support from donors and international financial institutions. Key stakeholders include social enterprises and disadvantaged groups. The fund targets social enterprises across Albania, focusing on sectors that employ disadvantaged individuals. It aims to create new job opportunities and support the sustainability of social enterprises. Key features of the fund include subsidies for social enterprise activities up to 135,000,000 ALL. The fund also includes job creation subsidies up to 100,000 ALL per new job, with a maximum of 20 new jobs per enterprise. Additionally, there are social and health insurance subsidies up to 100% coverage for employees from disadvantaged groups, which include older employees. With regards to implementation, payments are made in two installments (70% upon approval and 30% upon project completion). Social enterprises must submit a business plan and meet specific conditions, such as hiring at least three new employees from disadvantaged groups within 12 months. The policy was adopted for the period 2019–2021.

The introduction of long-term attendance allowance aimed at supporting individuals who need to take care of a family member requiring long-term home care after hospitalization. The policy is managed by the Czech Republic's social security system, involving healthcare providers and family caregivers. This benefit applies nationally within the Czech Republic. It targets family members of patients who have been hospitalized for at least 7 days and require at least 30 days of home care post-discharge. The allowance can be claimed for up to 90 days. It enables caregivers to stay at home to provide necessary care. The process involves a healthcare provider's certification of the patient's need for long-term home care. The policy was introduced on June 1, 2018.

The "Bundesaltenplan" is a German federal policy framework initiated in 2009 by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women, and Youth (BMFSFJ) in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, other relevant federal bodies, various civil society organizations, and international partners. The plan is implemented at the national level, aiming to ensure that older persons receive protection, support, and opportunities to actively participate in social life while fostering their autonomy, especially for those with disabilities. The BMFSFJ funds associations and organizations to fulfill key tasks, including implementing forward-looking social and political projects related to older persons, disseminating political views and legislative proposals, and representing the interests of these organizations in national, European, and international institutions. A key focus is its robust support for international measures within the framework of EU projects, specifically targeting primary, secondary, and volunteer personnel supporting older persons. The policy emphasizes fostering international collaboration through bilateral and multilateral events, training programs, and exchanges to enhance global cooperation in the field of support for older persons. Additionally, the plan funds model projects to explore innovative approaches to active ageing, promote independence for older persons, and support integrating digital tools to help older persons remain engaged in society.

The Allocation Personnalisée d'Autonomie (APA) was introduced with the objective of improving the support for older persons experiencing loss of autonomy, enabling them to perform daily activities. The policy is overseen by the Ministry of Social Affairs, Labor, and Solidarity, and the Ministry of Health, Family, and Disabled Persons. Key stakeholders include older persons, healthcare providers, and social services. The APA targets older persons aged 60 and above, particularly those classified in GIR 1 to 4, indicating varying levels of dependency. It covers both those living at home and in care facilities across France. The APA provides financial assistance for home care services, technical aids, and minor home modifications. The amount of aid is determined by the individual's level of dependency and financial resources. Implementation involves assessments by a medico-social team and the creation of personalized care plans. As of June 2002, 299,000 older persons have benefited from the APA, with 65% residing in care facilities. The average monthly aid for home care is 515 euros, with 95% covered by the Conseil Général. The APA was adopted on January 1, 2002.

The means-tested care allowance (Bedarfsorientiertes Pflegegeld) was introduced in 1993 as a scheme under which individuals are entitled to a needs-based, long-term care allowance independent of age, income and assets and of the causes necessitating care in the particular case. The goal is to compensate the additional care-related expenses by a lump-sum cash benefit. It is based on national law. It is intended to ensure the necessary care and to enable a life that is as self-determined and needs-oriented as possible. To be entitled, the following conditions must be met: permanent need of care due to disability to last at least for six months, constant need of care of more than 65 hours per month, habitual residence in Austria. From 2020, the care allowance is increased by the pension adjustment factor and is valorized annually. The amount ranges from 192 to 2061 euros. In the case of persons suffering from dementia, a disability surcharge of 45 hours is credited as a lump sum. There is an assessment to be granted the allowance (Classification Ordinance to the Federal Care Allowance Act). Currently, about 468,000 people are entitled to a long-term care allowance, i.e., over 5% of the population.

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.