Browse Ageing Policies

The main goal of the Inclusion Programme is to actively promote social inclusion and combat poverty in Italy. It addresses the challenge of marginalized groups, such as the homeless, migrants, and vulnerable children, aiming to achieve tangible improvements in their living conditions and integration into society. The programme is developed by Italy's partnership agreement signatory, focusing on utilizing resources from the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The Managing Authority is the Italian Ministry of Labour and Social Policy. The programme targets a broad spectrum of vulnerable populations, including individuals in extreme poverty, migrants, Rom communities, and people with disabilities. It covers various interventions to support their social inclusion and well-being. The programme employs a multi-faceted approach, including social and economic support, housing initiatives, educational programmes, and measures to combat material deprivation. Specific strategies involve empowerment, educational opportunities, employment support, and infrastructural development aimed at fostering autonomy and inclusion. While specific outcomes are not detailed, the programme's design indicates a comprehensive strategy to address social challenges. The emphasis on tailored interventions, support services, and the allocation of substantial financial resources underscores its commitment to creating a meaningful impact. Continuous evaluation will likely provide insights into the programme's success and potential as a good practice example.

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 main objective of the Social Inclusion for Persons with Mental Disabilities Project, funded by the European Union IPA II, coordinated by the World Health Organization in cooperation with the Ministry of Family and Social Services and the Ministry of Health, is to contribute to social inclusion efforts for persons with mental disabilities through quality community-based support services. It started to be implemented with the agreement signed in July 2018. One of the various activities carried out within the scope of the project is the "Annual Conference 3 and Second Meeting of the Pan-European Mental Health Coalition Local Action Regional Exchange". The conference, which was held in Ankara on November 23-24, 2022 as a hybrid, focused on four thematic areas: "mental health leadership", "mental health and well-being of older persons", "mental health in emergencies" and "transformation of mental health services". With parallel sessions focusing on different topics, the aim was to enable participants to participate in discussions about areas of interest and study. A poster area was built where examples of good practices from the Republic of Türkiye and the countries of the European Region were presented. Expected outcomes of the project include: 1) Establishment and implementation of a national model for community-based care services for persons with mental disabilities. 2) Policymaking, planning, implementation, and regulation of services for persons with mental disabilities based on evidence. 3) Creating modules on person-centred approach to increase the competent workforce applying evidence-based treatment methods in the care of persons with mental disabilities.

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.

Increasing health literacy and awareness within the theme of World Brain Day – Brain Week (about the brain, its activities, disease prevention associated with knowledge and cognitive tasks), World Alzheimer’s Day (on Alzheimer’s disease, prevention associated with knowledge and cognitive activities), World Mental Health Day (on mental health, healthy lifestyle, reduction of loneliness and social isolation) through campaigns implemented by the Public Health Authority of the Slovak Republic in cooperation with regional public health authorities in the Slovak Republic. Target group for the campaign is the general public and it’s organized by dissemination of information via social network graphics and informational texts, as well as through knowledge and cognitive tasks (Brain week, World Alzheimer’s Day). The metric of people reached/estimated number of people, who saw a post on these topics in their news feed is at least 1x. The results are measured via monitoring the viewing and sharing of posts in the designed Facebook account.

The Council of the Government of the Slovak Republic for Mental Health was established on February 24, 2021 by the Government of the Slovak Republic as its permanent advisory body, which performs coordination, consultative and professional tasks in the field of mental health protection and support, prevention of mental disorders, psycho-diagnostics, treatment of mental disorders, follow-up care of patients with mental disorders, mental health research, education of professionals providing mental health care and services, mental health policy making and quality monitoring in the mentioned areas.

The project, launched in 2024, contributes to a systemic solution in the field of mental health services, strengthening family relationships and intergenerational communication by creating a network of 46 family counselling centres in Slovakia. In the centres, free psychological counselling is provided to individuals, couples and families regardless of age. It is one of the specific tools to support the mental and social health of the Slovak population. The Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family of the Slovak Republic targets this measure to every individual, couple, and family that needs support and help in the face of situations and problems that cannot be solved without professional assistance. In the previous pilot project five centres were created in five cities in Slovakia. In 15 per cent of the cases the psychological help was provided to persons over the age of 55.

The National Helpline in Support of Mental Health was established by the Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic in July 2021 as a part of the efforts in Slovakia’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (as a part of Component 12, support of mental health). The main aim of the helpline was to alleviate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health. The helpline was highly used by senior citizens. Operation of the helpline was extended until May 2023 to help alleviate the impact of war in Ukraine on mental health of the citizens. Services were provided by professionals in the field of mental health, in particular psychologists specializing in clinical psychology and psychiatrists with certification in psychotherapy and crisis intervention (in total 29 professionals).

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 programme gives specific attention to older persons. It acknowledges that currently there is a lack of adequately educated personnel to address the mental health needs of older persons. To address this challenge, among other things, the programme sets out to create a network of centres for mental health where older persons with mental disorders are cared for and treated. It also aims to provide continuous education of experts and society as a whole regarding mental health of older persons to promote autonomy and participation of older persons. The programme also includes the objective to combat stigmas related to age and mental health through dedicated campaigns and public awareness-raising.

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 One Against Loneliness action programme, led by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, aims to reduce loneliness in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. While the programme previously focused on loneliness reduction among older persons, due to its success, it has been extended to all age-groups. The programme includes three action areas: increasing awareness in society about loneliness, promoting more social initiatives against loneliness, and implementing a local approach against loneliness in all municipalities. Specific activities of the programme involve a public campaign and communication activities, a week against loneliness, dedicated funding for research and knowledge generation, and support of local activities. In implementing the various activities, the Ministry has collaborated with municipalities, social organizations, companies and citizen initiatives. An evaluation of the programme showed that it has contributed to reducing loneliness among older persons. The programme has led to the creation of a multi-faceted movement among different stakeholders and three quarters of municipalities that are committed to reduce loneliness among older persons.

The main goal of the programme is to promote health equity by addressing the challenge of inequalities in the healthcare system. It aims to improve access to services and the quality of care, with the overarching objective of achieving more equitable outcomes for the entire population. The Italian Ministry of Health is the Managing Authority and ProMIS is its technical branch; 7 Italian Regions (Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Molise, Puglia, Sardegna, Sicilia) and INMP - The Italian National Institute for Health, Migration and Poverty as Intermediate Organisations; Local Health Authorities, Municipalities and third sector entities as beneficiaries. The policy spans the entire national territory, covering the entire population with a particular emphasis on disadvantaged and vulnerable groups. Its aim is to reduce disparities in healthcare access and services. The policy employs a multidimensional approach, identifying priorities such as access to quality services, reduction of socio-economic and geographical barriers, and promotion of specific interventions for at-risk groups. Implementation involves defining key indicators, such as person-days of external personnel, and supporting Public Administrations through technical assistance projects. Currently, specific data on achieved results are not provided. However, the programme's integrated approach, broad coverage, and focus on vulnerable groups make it an example of best practice in addressing healthcare inequalities.The use of key indicators to assess impact contributes to transparency and programme effectiveness evaluation.

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.

When deciding to take on the care of a relative or other close person, the psychological demands are often underestimated. As fulfilling as it can be to be there for each other, caregivers can quickly find themselves in a situation of being overwhelmed or exhausted. The transition usually takes place unnoticed. The publication describes typical challenges that can arise when caring for a close relative or friend and shows practical ways to manage the situation. It is written for people that are for a relative or friend encouraging them to seek relief and external help. The guide provides an overview of specific support services aimed at alleviating caregiver stress and providing care to the care recipient. The publication was produced by BAGSO - Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft der Seniorenorganisationen in collaboration with the German Psychotherapists' Association and has been completely revised as part of the 2022 edition. Its first edition was published in 2012. Since then it has been revised 10 times. Of the last edition, 60.000 copies have been printed of which a large part has already been ordered. The guide is particularly ordered by senior citizens' organisations, care support centres, senior citizens' and care advice centres, self-help groups, doctors, outpatient care services, volunteer networks, church communities and often also hospitals, rehab clinics, local authorities and companies and, of course, from carers themselves.

The guide “When the soul is unwell”, published in its 5th edition in 2019, addresses mental health issues in older age. This guide describes the most common mental illnesses and provides an insight into therapeutic treatment options, especially for older people. The aim is to provide information about mental illnesses and to encourage older people in particular to seek professional help, such as therapeutic support, if necessary. The publication is aimed at older people, relatives and GPs and is produced by BAGSO - Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft der Seniorenorganisationen in co-operation with the German Psychotherapists' Association. It is one of the most frequent orders of BAGSO's free of charge publications.

The network office supports local dementia networks, which are committed to people with dementia and their relatives, with the exchange of experience, expert impetus and the transfer of know-how. To support the important work of local dementia networks and the formation of new networks, the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth has funded 500 local support networks nationwide in the federal pilot programme ""Local Alliances for People with Dementia"" from 2012 to 2018. They provide orientation in the search for existing local offers, bring actors to the table, coordinate their offers and develop new offers as needed. They offer training for relatives and volunteers, and provide information and advice to make life with dementia easier. In 2020, the federal programme was relaunched as part of the National Dementia Strategy. Until 2026, further Local Alliances are to be established in a total of five funding waves. The network office supports the funded Local Alliances as well as other local dementia networks in their (further) development. It is located at BAGSO - Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft der Seniorenorganisationen and is funded by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth. The offers of the network office include: 1) Regional and nationwide conferences, networking meetings and workshops for local dementia networks offer the opportunity to establish contacts, to exchange experiences related to the topic and to receive new professional impulses. 2) Professional support and advice to the projects funded under the new federal programme during the application and funding phase. 3) Examples of good practice, helpful materials and links on the topics of dementia and local networking on its website. 4) Regular newsletter with information about events, publications and interesting facts on the topic of dementia. This measure contributes to protecting the rights of older persons with dementia and their relatives. The federal programme supports local networks who offer help and advice to people with dementia and their relatives. The network office shares good examples, e.g. home visits to evaluate which kind of care and support is needed, public awareness raising campaigns or activities to ensure the inclusion of people with dementia in cultural programmes – all of which contribute to mitigating the impact of dementia and related vulnerabilities.

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.