Browse Ageing Policies

The COVID-19-related health crisis has highlighted various shortcomings in the care and support of the mental health of older persons, particularly those living in residential care homes. To address these, the Walloon Agency for a Quality Life (Agence Wallonne pour une Vie de Qualité – AVIQ) has hired coordinating psychologists in seven pilot institutions. The latter are responsible for cooperating with the existing psychiatric home care services for older persons (soins psychiatriques pour personnes agées à domicile), developing a mental health network in nursing homes, raising awareness among caregivers in the field by setting up specific and thematic workshops, and working in partnership with the establishment’s coordinating physician. The primary objective is to improve the psychological monitoring of older persons living in residential care homes and to reduce mental health disorders in nursing homes (and care homes). At the same time, the AVIQ also wishes to better equip the teams and promote well-being at work.

In Austria, the Competence Center Future Health Promotion (Kompetenzzentrum Zukunft Gesundheitsförderung) has developed a proposed model for municipal health promotion for healthy ageing in caring communities to address social challenges posed by demographic change. It comprises six main fields of integrated action: health promotion services and strengthening health literacy, health-promoting living spaces and facilities and businesses, neighbourhood assistance and volunteering, participation and development processes, promotion of civic engagement and care networks, a hub for networking and mediation of services for health promotion; and assessment, data and evaluation for planning and management. These were derived based on an analysis of 21 quality assured projects (for healthy ageing) and a participatory stakeholder consultation to discuss ways to institutionalize the proposed model across Austria to sustainably strengthen coordinated, feasible and evidence-based community health promotion for healthy ageing.

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 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 Government of the Republika Srpska adopted the Strategy for Adult Education in the Republika Srpska for 2021-2031. Adult education is, among other things, a manifestation of lifelong learning and an integral part of a complete and uniform system of education in the Republika Srpska. The mission of adult education is to provide adult citizens with the right to lifelong education and learning and thus contribute to their personal and professional development, better employment and social participation of citizens in the Republika Srpska. The basic way to support personal development and the ability of an individual is to remain healthy and active. The Training Programme and three specialization Programme have been declared publicly valid.

The Resilience Training project, organized by the Senior Action Quebec Association (SAQ). The project offers a series of train-the-trainer modules accessible online to SAQ's members, focusing on various aspects of teaching resilience skills Modules include resilience and self-awareness, recognizing the strength of character, coping and control mechanisms, resilience and social connections, key sills to build resilience in seniors. The project targets English-speaking seniors in Quebec who wish to enhance their resilience skills. The training was held between 2019 and 2020. Partners of the initiatives are: Community Health and Social Service Network, Quebec Community Groups Network, Canadian Heritage, Secretariat aux relations avec les Quebecois d'expression anglaise. The trainings are adapted to the region reality. SAQ's members have access to the online train-the-trainer modules. Additionally, when possible, in-person training sessions are offered. The goal is to support an already strong network of community organization and create a stronger and more vibrant English-speaking senior community who will be better equipped to engage with the wider community, both English and French speaking.

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.

The project “Generation tandem” aims to support generational exchange and intergenerational solidarity in the labor market. It focuses on retaining pre-retirement workers and aligning the skills of new entrants or those returning to the labour market with job market demands. The project is co-financed by the European Social Fund and the state budget of the Czech Republic. It is managed by the Regional Branch of the Labour Office in Příbram. The project targets job seekers and those interested in employment in the Central Bohemian Region. It specifically focuses on pre-retirement workers and new entrants to the labour market, including graduates and those returning from parental leave or caregiving. The project provides wage subsidies to employers for hiring new employees and retaining pre-retirement workers. It includes training and mentoring programmes to transfer skills from experienced workers to new employees. Employers must retain pre-retirement workers for at least six months after the subsidy period. Regarding observed impacts, the project has enhanced job security for older workers and facilitated the transfer of knowledge to younger employees, improving their employability. The project was implemented from January 1, 2016, to April 30, 2023.

The Age is an Asset programme aims to enhance employment readiness for mature individuals aged 18 to 64. It focuses on equipping participants with essential skills and confidence to re-enter the workforce. The Samaritan House Ministries Training Centre aims to support adult learners in achieving their education and employment goals through free classes in Adult Basic Education, Adult Upgrading, GED Preparation, and Computer Skills. The programme is offered by the Samaritan House Ministries Training Centre, with funding from the Government of Canada and the Manitoba government. This 12-week programme is designed for mature learners seeking employment. It runs four times a year and combines classroom activities, formal learning, visiting speakers, and job placements to provide a comprehensive learning experience. Key components include First Aid, Food Safe, and Service Advantage (Customer Service) training. The programme offers a relaxed and social environment, making it comfortable for mature learners. Implementation involves a mix of classroom instruction and practical job placements. In relation to observed impacts, the programmes have helped many adults improve their literacy, numeracy, and computer skills, enhancing their employability and personal development. The programme was introduced in 2006.

The Decree of July 17, 2003, relating to the development of ongoing educational action in the field of associative life, aims to foster the development of associations in the field of lifelong education in Wallonia. It aims to encourage critical analysis of society, stimulate democratic and collective initiatives, develop active citizenship and promote the exercise of social, cultural, environmental, and economic rights. Specifically, the government allocates to any recognized association an annual fixed operating subsidy within the limit of available budgetary credits. The main institution involved is the Government of the Walloon Region and its regional Ministry of Education. The stakeholders include recognized associations in the field of lifelong education and adults who are the target of the educational activities. The policy covers the field of lifelong education with a focus on adult education. It is applicable within the geographical area of the Walloon Region and affects sectors related to social, cultural, and educational development. The policy envisages: 1) Support for associations that facilitate adults' understanding of societal issues. 2) Development of critical thinking and decision-making skills. 3) Encouragement of active participation in various aspects of societal life.