Browse Ageing Policies

The objective of the establishment of an Ombudsman for older persons is to promote and assess the realisation of the basic and human rights of older persons in legislation and decision-making. The Ombudsman for older persons is an autonomous and independent authority. It collaborates with various authorities, organizations, and other parties to promote the best interests of older persons. The policy covers older persons broadly, considering factors like age, ability to function, disability, native language, financial position, place of residence, sexual orientation, or minority status. It is national in scope, focusing on the rights and status of older persons in society. The Ombudsman advocates for the rights of older persons, ensuring their consideration in legislation and decision-making. It monitors and influences matters proactively, working to ensure the best interests of older persons are met. The Act on the Ombudsman for older persons will enter into force on 1 January 2025.

The Informative Report “Final evaluation on the implementation of the Strategy on the Development of Social Services 2014–2020” aims to promote equality, inclusion, non-discrimination, and respect for fundamental rights. It aims to integrate gender equality, ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities, and transition from institutional to community-based care. The report is overseen by the Ministry of Welfare, specifically the Social Policy Planning and Development Department. Key stakeholders include various EU funds, national institutions, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The report targets all sectors receiving EU funds, focusing on national implementation. It addresses gender equality, disability access, racial and ethnic inclusion, religious freedom, age, and sexual orientation. The report evaluates specific actions such as ensuring accessibility in infrastructure projects, promoting gender equality in employment, and supporting community-based care. It emphasizes monitoring and reporting to ensure compliance with EU regulations. The report was published on April 19, 2022.

The High Council of Older Persons is a consultative body of the Government, tasked with examining all issues related to older persons and making improvement proposals. It provides opinions and advises, more specifically, the Minister of Family, Integration, and the Greater Region on matters concerning older persons. The Council consists of 13 members delegated either by organizations for older persons or by organizations working in the interest of older persons. Additionally, there are co-opted members selected for their professional expertise in law, medicine, care, social work, human sciences, or gerontology, or for their social commitment. The Council members serve a two-year term. The Council addresses relevant issues in thematic working groups, such as: - The reform of dependency insurance. - The financial needs of retired individuals. - Municipal policies in the interest of older persons. The High Council of Older Persons was established by the law on the service quality for older persons, which was passed by the Chamber of Deputies on July 20, 2023

The initiative aims to establish a network of Active Longevity Centres across all regions of Kazakhstan to improve the quality of life for older citizens by promoting active ageing, fostering a culture of health, and encouraging community engagement. These centres focus on shifting perceptions of ageing from passive to active, healthy, and dignified longevity. The initiative is led by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of Kazakhstan, with contributions from the Ministries of Health, Culture and Sports, and local executive bodies. The project was discussed by the Interdepartmental Commission on Improving the Situation of Older Citizens, chaired by Vice Minister. The project targets the population aged 65 and older. Active Longevity Centres offer a variety of services, including yoga, Nordic walking, medical, psychological, and legal consultations, IT and language training, cultural outings, and community engagement activities. They are funded through local budgets, with a focus on providing health support and fostering a barrier-free environment for older citizens. As of January 1, 2023, there are a total of 63 centers operating throughout the country. The initiative was launched in February 2021, with centres planned to be operational in all regions by the end of 2021 and the project continuing through 2025.

The “Meeting of Minds on Quality of Care Sure” conference aimed at enhancing the quality of care and patient safety across the WHO European Region, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery process. The conference involved the WHO/Europe and the Government of Greece, with participation from ministers, experts, policymakers, health professionals, and civil society organizations. The conference targeted the WHO European Region, focusing on quality health services during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. It aimed to support the most vulnerable communities and individuals. During the conference, policymakers agreed on the development of new tools for high-quality health services, the establishment of collaboration agreements to support quality services in Greece, and on improving mental health services for children and adolescents. The conference emphasized investment in health as a catalyst for economic growth and social equity. Guided by the WHO's European Programme of Work, 2020–2025 – “United Action for Better Health in Europe”, the WHO Athens Quality of Care Office will spearhead this initiative throughout the European Region. The conference was hosted in Greece in December 2021. The collaboration agreements, among which there is a “Compendium of applied good practices on quality of care”, were set to begin in 2022.

The Government of Canada allocated $6.4 million in funding over two years (2020–2021) to Healthcare Excellence Canada to expand its LTC+ initiative. The primary objective of this initiative is to enhance pandemic preparedness in over 1500 long-term care facilities and seniors' residences across Canada. It achieves this by providing coaching and seed funding to address gaps in infection prevention and control measures. The initiative is facilitated by Healthcare Excellence Canada, with support and funding from the Government of Canada. The initiative targets over 1500 long-term care facilities and seniors' residences nationwide. Its beneficiaries include residents, staff, and administrators of these facilities who require support in enhancing their pandemic preparedness and infection prevention and control measures. The LTC+ initiative provides coaching and seed funding to support long-term care facilities and seniors' residences in improving their infection prevention and control practices. Through tailored coaching and financial assistance, the initiative aims to address specific gaps identified in pandemic preparedness.

The "Delegation for Senior Labour" was initiated in 2018 by the Government of Sweden. This national effort is led by the Delegation with contributions from public and private sectors. It targets older workers, aiming to increase their labour force participation and ensure age-friendly work environments. The delegation collaborated with labour market stakeholders, researchers, government agencies, and other organizations, gathered and analysed research and data on older persons' opportunities in the workforce, addressing issues such as ageism, stereotypes, and the economic and social benefits of extending working life. Through 23 detailed reports, the delegation provided insights into the conditions necessary to support longer working lives for older persons, helped debunk myths about older workers and highlighted the importance of personalized approaches to keeping older persons engaged in the workforce. In November 2020, the delegation submitted its final report to the Government.

The “Council of Older Persons” is an advisory body in the Kingdom of the Netherlands established in 2018 to provide advice to the Minister of Health, Welfare, and Sport on issues related to older persons. It is implemented at the national level, aiming to involve older persons in policymaking by offering advice and drawing attention to new policy themes. The council consists of members of older persons from various backgrounds, ensuring diverse perspectives. The main activities include advising the Minister of Health, Welfare, and Sport on issues like healthcare, housing, and social inclusion, promoting the interests of older persons by initiating discussions, providing recommendations, and influencing policy development to improve the quality of life for older persons. The council also works to improve the representation and positive image of older persons in society. In 2020, they, along with the Ministry, launched a campaign called "The Value of Ageing" to raise awareness of the contributions of older adults to society.

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.

A Federal Senior Citizens Advisory Board (Bundesseniorenbeirat) was set up in 2017 at the Federal Ministry for Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection (BMSGPK) and has representations of all Ministries. The aim of the Federal Senior Citizens Advisory Board is to provide a platform for institutionalized and effective dialogue between policymakers and senior citizen organizations' representatives on age-related issues of general significance for Austria, the integration of older persons as well as intergenerational relations. The Federal Senior Citizens Advisory Board represents several senior citizens' organizations, consisting of about three thousand local groups throughout Austria. The Board has two annual meeting with all relevant stakeholders and follow up different tasks. The Federal Senior Citizens Advisory have been established not only at federal level, but also in all of Austria's Laender and in many municipalities. While the central state is responsible for framework legislation, Austria's federal system largely leaves the enactment of regulations and delivery of public services to each of the nine Federal States, hence some states can be more active than others.

The Office of the Commissioner for Older Persons has the objectives to promote and safeguard the interests and human rights of older persons, eliminate age discrimination, and ensure their active participation in society. The Office was established by the Commissioner for Older Persons Act, Chapter 553 of the Laws of Malta. Key stakeholders include the Council for Older Persons, various government ministries, NGOs, and the general public. The Office's functions target the elderly population of Malta, which constitutes over 20% of the total population. It covers national-level interventions aimed at improving the quality of life for older persons. The Office purposes include raising awareness about the rights of older persons, promoting healthy and active lifestyles, preventing elder abuse, and ensuring social inclusion. Specific measures include educational campaigns, collaboration with other entities, and providing guidance and support to older persons and their families. The Office's work is implemented through various initiatives such as media participation, public consultations, and collaboration with other stakeholders. The Office also investigates complaints and provides advice and guidance to older persons. The establishment of the Office has led to increased awareness about the rights and needs of older persons. The Office of the Commissioner for Older Persons was established on October 15, 2016.

The National Training Fund is an institution introduced by the novel to the Act on employment promotion and labour market institutions, that aims at supporting lifelong learning of employees and employers, prevent job loss due to inadequate skills, and increase investment in human resources to improve competitiveness in the job market. The Fund is managed by the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, with district job centres responsible for application assessment and reimbursement. Firms employing individuals aged 45 and above are eligible to seek financial assistance from the National Training Fund/Labour Fund. The fund supports a range of educational and training endeavours, such as both certified and non-certified ongoing general education and CVET, advanced studies, and skill certification exams. The fund subsidizes up to 80% of the costs associated with employee training, capped at a maximum of 300% of the average monthly wage. Micro enterprises benefit from a full reimbursement of training expenses, also up to the limit of 300% of the average monthly salary. In terms of implementation, companies apply to district job centres, which assess applications. In 2014, 1,433 companies benefited, funding training for 10,417 individuals. The Fund was established in 2014.

The objective of the National Certification Body is to promote gender equality in the workplace by certifying enterprises that adopt gender-equal practices. The National Certification Body, established by the Council of Ministers and chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance, oversees the certification process. Key stakeholders include the Gender Equality Commissioner and representatives from employers' and employees' associations. This policy is national in scope, targeting enterprises and organizations across the country. It aims to recognize and certify those that implement gender-equal practices. The policy offers two types of certifications: “Best Practice” for individual practices and “Equality Employer” for comprehensive gender equality systems. Enterprises apply annually, and evaluators conduct on-site visits and interviews to assess compliance. Successful applicants are awarded certifications in a special ceremony and gain advantages in public procurement tenders. Regarding observed impacts, certified enterprises benefit from enhanced public recognition and improved opportunities in public procurement. In terms of timeframe, the policy was introduced in 2014 and certification is valid for four years, with a renewal process involving re-evaluation.

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.

BAGSO, the German National Association of Senior Citizens' Organisations, represents the interests of older generations in Germany. It stands up for active, self-determined and healthy ageing in social security. In a colourful and diverse society BAGSO promotes a differentiated image of old age. This includes both, the various opportunities arising of longer lives as well as times of vulnerability and the need for care. BAGSO is an umbrella organisation of about 120 civil society organisations that are run by or work for older people. In important policy areas, BAGSO puts themes on the political agenda that are relevant for healthy and active ageing. In statements and position papers, BAGSO identifies requirements for good quality of life in older age and provides recommendations for political action at federal, state and municipal level.

The primary goal of the Public Council of the Republic of Tajikistan is to implement the provisions of the Agreement on Public Accord. This involves discussing emerging issues, making coordinated decisions, and providing recommendations. The Council is a representative, expert-consultative, and coordinating body. It includes participants of the Agreement on Public Accord, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, and the Chairpersons of the Majlisi Milli and Majlisi Namoyandagon Majlisi Oli. The Council operates nationally within Tajikistan, focusing on fostering dialogue among various socio-political forces, ensuring ideological pluralism, and promoting multi-party democracy. The Council's tasks include ensuring continuous dialogue among different socio-political forces. Its mandate also comprises conducting expert evaluations and analyses of the socio-political, economic, and spiritual state of society, developing programmes and proposals to uphold the rule of law and protect individual rights and freedoms, and establishing new forms of cooperation among state bodies and public associations. The Council forms its working apparatus (secretariat) and committees, attracting experts and advisers for programme development. The policy was adopted on April 10, 1996.

The Council for Old Age and Ageing Affairs is an institution with the purpose to develop the concept of active and healthy ageing. This council serves as an expert advisory body to the government, ensuring the implementation of action plans related to ageing. The Council is spearheaded by the Ministry of Family Care and Demography of the Government of Serbia, with Minister Daria Kisić chairing the council. As a fundamental element of the Serbian Strategy for Active and Healthy Ageing, the working group for the strategy's development also plays a significant role. The Council targets older people across Serbia, aiming to improve their social and economic status, and enhance their participation in societal, economic, and public life. The aims of the Council include promoting the concept of active and healthy ageing and separating ageing from various health and social issues, considering the social and economic status of older persons and utilizing their potential in societal development, and enhancing cooperation with state bodies, professional, humanitarian, and professional organizations to improve the quality of life for older persons. The Council was established in 2011.