Browse Ageing Policies

The policy, when finalised by the Department of Health, will aim to strengthen the safeguarding of adults who may at particular times be at risk of abuse in all public, private and voluntary healthcare services and social care services in Ireland. Measures expected to be adopted include fostering a strengthened culture of safeguarding in all relevant services; strengthening governance arrangements for health and social care services; and introducing new legislation including provisions for protection orders, for statutory duties on health and social care staff to safeguard at-risk adults against abuse and for statutory duties on services and agencies to cooperate and share information to the extent necessary to protect a relevant person against abuse or harm.

Building on the National Mental Health Plan of 2007–2016, the Active and Healthy Ageing Action Plan 2023–2026 includes several specific measures and activities to promote the mental health of older people. These include: mental health promotion programmes, cognitive stimulation and mental illness prevention programmes, psychiatric morbidity screenings, preventing violence against and abuse and neglect of older people, psychosocial assessment and reinforcement of psychological well-being at work, promotion of proximity responses in mental health for people over 65 years old, implementation of specific geriatric psychiatry responses in local mental health services, improving the work conditions and training of caregivers with a focus on mental health.

The Ministry of Family and Social Services put forward the Ageing Vision Document with the contributions and participation of relevant public institutions, civil society organizations and academics. This document sets out the vision of "Building a society for all ages where older persons can realize their rights, receive services in line with their needs and demands, and pass on their life experiences to future generations". Meanwhile, the first National Action Plan on the Rights of Older Persons, the implementation tool for 2023–2025, aiming to implement rights-based policies and services in cooperation with all relevant stakeholders under the coordination of the Ministry, was shared with the public on April 29, 2023. A circular on the National Action Plan on the Rights of Older Persons (2023–2025), aiming to implement rights-based policies and services in cooperation with all relevant stakeholders, was prepared and delivered to the Presidency to be published in the Official Gazette as a Presidential Circular. Considering the age-related needs of older persons, 183 activities determined within the scope of 51 action areas for 16 goals is to be implemented. In this context, it is envisaged to carry out activities within the scope of the action area of strengthening mental health services for older persons.

The plan was developed to strengthen preventive and primary mental health services and to improve detection of psychological disorders that intensify in older age through the provision of community-based and holistic mental health services. The plan includes activities to ensure coordination with primary care services, community-based services, social care services. It also aims to develop programmes to strengthen the mental health of older persons with psychological disorders that intensify with age such as anxiety and depression and cognitive disorders directly related to ageing such as dementia, and to customize and strengthen available programmes in accordance with the needs of the individual.

The Strategy for Active and Healthy Ageing (2024–2030) aims to address the needs of older people by promoting positive attitudes towards them, enhancing their participation in society, and ensuring they receive appropriate support. It seeks to create a supportive environment and improve public perception of older people’s potential. The strategy involves multiple stakeholders, including older persons, their families, care providers, and the broader community. The strategy targets the entire population of older person in Serbia, focusing on improving their quality of life and social inclusion, particularly addressing issues like poverty and access to services. The strategy proposes several measures, including: Conducting outreach campaigns to change public perception and promote intergenerational solidarity. Ensuring accessible public transport and buildings, particularly in rural areas. Offering educational, cultural, and sports programs tailored to older persons. Establishing local community volunteering services. Providing training for healthcare workers, promoting palliative care, and improving healthcare facilities. Overall, the strategy aims to foster a more inclusive society where older persons can actively participate and are valued for their contributions. By focusing on these measures, it seeks to improve the well-being and quality of life for older individuals in Serbia.

The aim of the "National strategy on long-term care and active ageing for the period 2023 - 2030 approved by Government decision Nr. 1492/2022" by the Government of Romania is to improve the quality of life of older persons and those with disabilities by ensuring access to long -term care and promoting active ageing. It focuses on addressing the challenges of population ageing, such as the increasing incidence of chronic diseases and the need for care. Its objectives include improving access to care services, promoting independence, preventing institutionalization, and supporting caregivers. Measures include: Developing an integrated network of long-term care services, promoting home care, community care and day care centres, supporting caregivers through leave, financial assistance and training, and promoting active ageing through education, sports and social inclusion programs. The strategy is based on a holistic approach that aims to improve all aspects of long-term care. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of community and home-based care, thus reducing the need for institutionalization. Also, it involves stakeholders, including older persons, families and caregivers. Overall, the strategy is expected to improve the quality of life of older persons, reduce the burden on families and support healthy and active ageing.

The National Plan of Actions for Mental Health (PANSM) targets the entire population, focusing on specific priority areas to guide regional and local projects. It aims to implement care pathways responsive to current population needs, renewing service organization, integration, work methods, and clinical programs. It is developed by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Interregional Technical Group for Mental Health (GISM) of the Conference of Regions, the document outlines health objectives, actions, actors, criteria, and indicators for assessment and evaluation. The Ministry of Health monitors the plan's regional implementation, involving the Interregional Health Commission. Monitoring includes assessing regional policies, administrative acts, planning documents, recommendations, guidelines, and projects related to mental health. Operational documents stemming from this general strategy aim to enhance the appropriateness and effectiveness of interventions by the Regions. Notably, the plan addresses psychiatric residential care for adults, therapeutic-rehabilitative interventions for neuropsychiatric disorders in children and adolescents, and care pathways for schizophrenia, mood disorders, and severe personality disorders. The plan emphasizes the need for differentiated residential care intensity levels to improve treatments and reduce disparities. It advocates for an approach based on individualized care pathways, renewing service organization, team working methods, and offered clinical programs. The operational documents further provide guidelines for addressing the challenges posed by psychiatric residential facilities for adults, therapeutic interventions for neuropsychiatric disorders in children and adolescents, and care pathways for schizophrenia, mood disorders, and severe personality disorders. The plan has seen implementation in various regions, with notable progress in addressing objectives related to eating disorders, classification of residences for adults and minors, autism, and the criminal circuit. The comprehensive monitoring approach ensures the plan's effectiveness and adaptation to regional contexts.

The National Mental Health Strategy and Suicide Prevention Agenda 2020–2030 emphasize long-term planning and extensive collaboration. It adopts a comprehensive approach to mental health across various societal sectors. Recognizing mental health as a vital resource, the strategy aims to prevent and manage mental disorders while reducing stigma. It highlights the need for mental health services to be on par with other health services. The strategy provides decision-making guidelines and stresses the importance of collaboration. There are five priority areas: mental health as capital, mental health of children and youth, mental health rights, services, and management. Progress will be monitored using both existing and new indicators. Initial objectives include increasing the availability of preventive services and therapies and enhancing cooperation structures. Additional measures focus on improving employment-oriented mental health services, raising mental health competence in municipalities, and enhancing suicide prevention efforts.

The Maltese National Dementia Strategy 2024-2031, titled ‘Reaching New Heights’, aims to significantly improve the quality of services and the quality of life of persons living with dementia in the Maltese islands. The Strategy builds upon the progress made by the previous strategy and focuses on several key areas, including increasing awareness and understanding of dementia, reducing the risk of developing the condition, enabling early diagnosis, empowering individuals with dementia and their families, developing a dementia-capable workforce, strengthening integrated person-centered care, and advancing dementia research. Specific measures featured in the Strategy include, for example, campaigns to lessen stigma and discrimination associated with dementia, ensuring that day care services for persons with dementia are available and accessible, and increasing the number of beds for persons with dementia in long-term care services. An Inter-Ministerial Committee, led by the Ministry for Active Ageing, will oversee the implementation of the Strategy, involving people with dementia and their families.

The National Dementia Action Plan aims to make Denmark dementia-friendly, provide personalized care, and actively support relatives. The plan focuses on prevention, early intervention, and research to improve the quality of life for people with dementia and their families. The plan was developed through a broad and inclusive process involving the Danish government, local municipalities, citizens with dementia, their relatives, and various experts and professionals. The plan targets people with dementia, their families, healthcare professionals, and local authorities across Denmark. It aims to create dementia-friendly municipalities and improve the quality and consistency of care nationwide. The plan includes three main objectives: 1. Making Denmark dementia-friendly with 98 dementia-friendly municipalities. 2. Ensuring more people with dementia are diagnosed and receive the care they need. 3. Reducing the use of antipsychotic medications by 50% by 2025. The action plan outlines five focus areas: 1. Early detection and better quality in investigation and treatment. 2. Improved quality in care, support, and rehabilitation. 3. Support and advice for relatives. 4. Creating a dementia-friendly society and housing. 5. Increasing knowledge and competence in dementia care. From 2016 to 2023, significant steps have been taken to promote health, prevent dementia, and improve care. The action plan has led to the establishment of dementia-friendly municipalities, improved diagnostic rates, and efforts to reduce antipsychotic medication use. The implementation of these measures aims to reduce geographical disparities and enhance the quality of life for people with dementia.

The Austrian Dementia Strategy aims to establish a system that promotes participation, autonomy, and high-quality care for individuals affected by dementia and their families. It seeks to provide timely information, ensure accessibility to support services, and involve individuals in care decisions. The strategy also focuses on enhancing the education and training of professionals in the field. The strategy was developed by the Austrian National Public Health Institute (Gesundheit Österreich GmbH, GÖG), with input from various experts and stakeholders, including persons with dementia and political decision-makers. It is coordinated by GÖG on behalf of the Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection. The strategy targets people with dementia, their families and friends, healthcare and social services personnel, researchers, educators, funding bodies, ethics commissions, government authorities, media, and the general public. It covers a wide range of stakeholders to ensure comprehensive support for individuals affected by dementia. The strategy outlines seven objectives and 21 recommendations, including promoting participation and self-determination, extending information provision, enhancing knowledge and competence, creating coordinated care frameworks, adapting care structures, expanding low-threshold contact points, and ensuring quality improvement through research. Key actions include developing information concepts, public relations campaigns, training for medical and non-medical staff, and establishing a Dementia Strategy Platform. From 2016 to 2023, around 130 actions were implemented, contributing to health promotion, dementia prevention, and care improvements. A federal working group of people with dementia was established to help design services and reduce stigmatization. Conferences and newsletters have engaged over 750 stakeholders and around 250 recipients, respectively, fostering ongoing collaboration and development of evidence-based measures.

The "National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence" was introduced in 2022 by Women and Gender Equality Canada in partnership with provincial and territorial governments to coordinate investments across Canada aimed at addressing gender-based violence. Implemented at the national level and guided by these coordinated efforts, this action plan targets victims, survivors, and their families across Canada, regardless of location. It aims to create a Canada free of gender-based violence. The action plan comprises five pillars and a foundational framework: support for survivors and their families; prevention; a responsive justice system; Indigenous-led approaches; social infrastructure and enabling environments; along with a foundation for cross-sector coordination, research, data collection, knowledge mobilization, reporting, and monitoring. Each province and territory has established bilateral agreements with Women and Gender Equality Canada, allowing flexibility to address local priorities and challenges. Recognizing that older women and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals are particularly vulnerable to gender-based violence, the plan includes targeted investments in housing, shelters, and transitional homes to provide safe options. Notably, all three territories have increased funding for shelters and transitional homes through the National Action Plan, while several provinces have enhanced shelter capacity to support individuals seeking safe refuge.

"The ""National Strategy on Long Term Care and Active Ageing 2023-2030"" was introduced in 2023 by the Ministry of Labour and Social Solidarity in Romania. Implemented at the national level and led by the Ministry, this strategy targets older persons (65+) and the long-term care (LTC) workforce. It aims to promote independent living among older persons for as long as possible and enhance access to equitable and sustainable long-term care services. Key measures include strengthening the responsibility and management of LTC services, ensuring a continuum of care that respects fundamental rights, and establishing sustainable financing for the LTC system. The strategy addresses disparities in LTC service availability and affordability, particularly in regions where services depend on local authority resources. Outcomes also focus on enhancing LTC quality, supporting the formal and informal LTC workforce, and encouraging active social participation for older persons. This approach aims to reduce dependency on residential care by fostering community-based services that prevent institutionalization. Monitoring and evaluation are conducted by the Ministry of Labour and Social Solidarity, ensuring continuous improvements in social assistance for Romania’s ageing population."

The "Involvement of Older People in Regional Programmes on Active Longevity and Healthy Life Expectancy to Maintain High Social Activity" was introduced in 2019 by the constituent entities of the Russian Federation under the federal project "Older Generation" of the national project "Demography". Implemented at the regional level and led by each region’s local authorities, this initiative targets senior citizens, focusing on promoting active longevity and healthy life expectancy. It aims to improve health, extend the period of active participation, and enhance social connectivity among older persons. Key measures include introducing new healthcare and social protection technologies, promoting healthy lifestyles, and organizing lifelong education in the "third age," including pre-retirement preparation. Each region customizes its programmes based on local needs and budget to ensure older citizens maintain high social activity levels. The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Russian Federation oversees these initiatives as part of the 2021–2025 Action Plan within the Strategy for Action in the Interests of Senior Citizens. As of 2023, these programmes have reached 12 million older persons, reinforcing their role in society and supporting active, healthy ageing.

The "Strategy for Active and Healthy Ageing in the Republic of Serbia for the Period 2024–2030" was introduced in 2024 by the Government of Serbia. Implemented at the national level, the strategy is led by various Serbian ministries, with participation from institutes and local authorities. While the strategy targets the entire population, it emphasizes the inclusion of persons over 65 in all social and other life spheres, addressing their specific needs. The primary goal is to promote active and healthy participation of older persons, fostering intergenerational and intra-generational solidarity and gender equality. Key measures include lifelong learning initiatives, enhancing digital competencies among older persons, and increasing their participation in public life. The strategy promotes support mechanisms, cross-sectoral cooperation, and strong anti-discrimination and anti-violence policies to protect older persons. Additionally, active ageing principles and supportive structures aim to encourage holistic social inclusion, ensuring that people over 65 are empowered to engage fully in society.

The “Federal Government's Strategy to Counter Loneliness” was introduced in 2022 in Germany by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ). It was voted on by the federal ministries and resulted in a cabinet decision on December 13, 2023. Implemented at the national level, this strategy targets all age groups, with a particular focus on older persons to address loneliness and social isolation. The strategy’s five main goals are to raise public awareness to destigmatize loneliness, strengthen scientific knowledge, reinforce practical interventions, foster cross-sectoral actions to address the complexities of loneliness, and support affected individuals, with a focus on the needs of older persons. Key measures include 46 overarching and 65 individual measures for both the prevention and alleviation of loneliness, reflecting the urgency of the issue. The BMFSFJ is funding several projects specifically for older persons through the European Social Fund (ESF Plus) programme titled “Strengthening the Participation of Older People - Countering Loneliness and Social Isolation”, which launched in October 2022 and includes over 70 projects continuing until 2027. To bolster research, the first Loneliness Barometer was published in May 2024 as a monitoring tool to track loneliness trends.

The “National Strategy on Long-Term Care and Active Ageing for the Period 2023–2030” was introduced in 2023 in Romania by the Ministry of Labour and Social Solidarity (MMSS). Implemented at the national level and led by MMSS in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, local authorities, and non-governmental organizations, this strategy targets all older persons in Romania, particularly people over 65, especially those in rural areas or in economically and socially vulnerable conditions. It aims to address the challenges of an ageing population by establishing a comprehensive long-term care (LTC) system that ensures all dependent older persons have access to adequate support, care, and assistance by 2030. Key objectives include strengthening accountability and management of LTC services, ensuring a continuum of care that respects fundamental rights, and providing sustainable financing for the LTC system. Specific measures focus on improving infrastructure, expanding home care services and day care centres, and implementing programs to prevent social isolation and abuse of older persons. Additionally, the strategy emphasizes protecting and strengthening the formal and informal LTC workforce through training programs for caregivers. Expected results include increased access to integrated LTC services, a lower dependency ratio, and improved health and well-being for older persons.

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 “Strategija obvladovanja demence do leta 2030” policy outlines a comprehensive strategy to address dementia from 2023 to 2030. It aims to bolster preventive measures, enhance the quality and safety of health care, and ensure accessible, coordinated care for those with dementia. The policy prioritizes the use of modern ICT to support patients and caregivers, promotes dignity, reduces stigma, and fosters dementia-friendly communities. It also focuses on educating professionals in dementia management and establishing a national data collection system. The policy ensures preparedness for epidemics and other emergencies, providing a robust framework for dementia care and management. Key institutions involved include the Ministry of Health, responsible for policy implementation and the Council for Dementia Management; the Ministry of Labor, Family, Social Affairs, and Equal Opportunities, overseeing social services and long-term care; and the National Institute of Public Health, tasked with epidemiological monitoring and research. Health care and social service providers, NGOs, informal caregivers, research institutions, and academic centers also play crucial roles. The policy's scope covers all of Slovenia, with particular attention to individuals with dementia and their families or caregivers, as well as professionals and volunteers in the field.