Browse Ageing Policies

In 2020 a concept of an "early warning system" was developed based on the observation of existing data sources at the Public Health Institute Gesundheit Österreich GmbH on behalf of the Austrian Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection. The system draws on various sources including data from psychosocial hotlines, data regarding restraining orders, inpatient data, data regarding involuntary placements, and suicide data. The included data sets are continuously processed and validated and jointly analysed and interpreted. Selected results are published quarterly as factsheets and presented at various national and regional advisory boards and research conferences. The joint analysis of various indicators has made it possible to depict developments in the psychosocial health of the Austrian population, including among older persons, in a timely manner and to identify population groups that are especially affected.

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 "Public Opinion Research on Canadians' Perspectives on Healthy Aging at the Start of the Decade of Healthy Ageing 2021-2030" was introduced in 2023 by the Public Health Agency of Canada as part of Canada’s contribution to the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021-2030). Implemented at the national level and led by the Public Health Agency, this research targets Canadians aged 50 and older. It aims to understand the enablers and barriers that impact quality of life in older age. Key measures include conducting public opinion research to gather baseline data on Canadians’ views regarding healthy ageing, which will guide Canada’s efforts to enhance the well-being of older Canadians throughout the Decade and beyond. Findings show that older Canadians generally hold a positive outlook on ageing, though perspectives vary across diverse sub-groups, including gender, socio-economic status, geographic location, racialized groups, newcomers, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQ+ individuals.

The "Survey on the Profile of Older Persons" was conducted for the first time in 2023 in Türkiye by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TURKSTAT) in collaboration with the Ministry of Family and Social Services (MoFSS). Implemented at the national level, this survey targets older persons to gather concrete data that will inform policy and service development for Türkiye’s ageing population. The survey aims to consolidate existing data and obtain indicators of older persons' welfare, serving as a foundation for creating effective social policies for this population. Key measures include collecting demographic and socio-economic data disaggregated by age and gender to provide insights into older persons’ living conditions. The results of the survey were shared with the public in March 2024. As a result of the Survey, demographic and socio-economic data disaggregated on the basis of age and gender were obtained, which will be the basis for the formulation of social policies for older persons.

The “Measuring the Work Ability of Employees in the Czech Republic” initiative was introduced in 2022 by the Union of Industry and Transport of the Czech Republic in collaboration with TREXIMA, spol. s.r.o. and Age Management, z.s. Implemented at the national level, this initiative focuses on the manufacturing industry, transport and storage, and health and social care sectors, analyzing employee work ability across age and gender since 2011. Its aim is to identify factors affecting work ability at each stage of an employee’s life, enabling the development of targeted measures based on these insights. Key measures include using the Work Ability Index (WAI), a tool based on a certified questionnaire available in 29 languages, to evaluate work capacity. The study results in 6 thematic areas for final recommendations: integrating age management and work ability into national strategies, establishing legislative support for work capacity, using WAI data for research and decision-making, enhancing information and advisory services, providing public support for maintaining work ability at both individual and corporate levels, and promoting the development of personnel capacities in age management. This approach emphasizes the importance of work ability for older workers, addressing the effects of ageing in the workforce and supporting sustainable employment.

The primary goal of the Annual Report 2021 of the Ageing Study Committee is to analyze and address the budgetary and social consequences of an ageing population in Belgium. It aims to ensure the sustainability of social expenditures and pensions while maintaining social equity among older persons. The main institution involved is the Comité d'Étude sur le Vieillissement (CEV), which operates under the High Council of Finance of Belgium. Key stakeholders include the Belgian government, social security institutions, and older persons. The report has a national scope, covering the entire geographical area of Belgium. The report includes: - Long-term projections of social expenditures up to 2070. - Evaluation of pension sustainability and poverty risk among older persons. - Scenarios based on demographic and economic assumptions. - Consideration of the COVID-19 impact on economic and social factors. As of the 2021 report, the long-term economic consequences of the COVID-19 crisis seem more limited than initially expected. Specific milestones include periodic assessments of the poverty risk among older persons and adjustments to social policies to ensure sustainability.

The study “The prevalence of discrimination in the employment environment in Latvia” was conducted in order to explore the forms and types of discrimination faced by employees in Latvia during employment, understand employees' awareness of discrimination, and evaluate trends by comparing data with a 2011 study. The study was conducted by Norstat Latvia (project coordination and fieldwork) and Dentsu Data Labs (data analysis and report preparation). The study targets employees in Latvia aged 15 and above. It covers various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, trade, services, and others, and spans across different regions such as Riga, Pieriga, Latgale, Kurzeme, Vidzeme, and Zemgale. The study uses an online survey (CAWI) methodology. Key areas of focus include the prevalence of discrimination, types of information shared with potential employers, and sources of discriminatory attitudes. It also examines employees' willingness to seek help and the reasons for not doing so. The study notes that the level of discrimination in workplaces has remained almost unchanged since 2011, with 31% of employees hearing about discrimination cases among acquaintances. The fieldwork for the study was conducted from March 18 to March 30, 2020.

The Information on the Situation of Older Persons in Poland report is an annual publication by the Ministry of Family and Social Policy, mandated by the "Social Policy for Older Persons 2030: Safety - Participation - Solidarity", which was adopted by the Council of Ministers in 2018. The report's primary goal is to monitor and evaluate the socio-economic conditions of older adults in Poland. The report includes demographic analysis, economic and health conditions, family and social support, social participation and services, and the implementation of policies targeted at older persons. It also presents comprehensive statistical data and concludes with recommendations for policymakers to enhance the effectiveness of services and policies for the ageing population. The findings from these reports are crucial for informing and adjusting national and regional policies, ensuring that they remain relevant and responsive to the ageing population's needs.

The National Seniors Council (NSC) was established in 2007 and engages with seniors, stakeholders and experts to provide advice to the Government of Canada on current and emerging issues and opportunities related to the health, well-being and quality of life of seniors. The NCS reports to the Minister of Labour and Seniors and the Minister of Health. The National Seniors Council provides advice to the Federal Government on issues that matter to seniors. National Seniors Council members are 12m including the Chairperson and are nominated based on their expertise and experience related to seniors' issues. Their appointment ranges from 1 to 3 years. The National Seniors Council is currently focusing on examining measures to further support Canadians who wish to age at home. The National Seniors Council produces publications and reports based on its work priorities. Part of the NSC is to find way to counter ageism. For example, as part of its 2018 to 2021 work plan, the National Seniors Council explored ways to counteract ageism. The Government has asked the NSC to examine how older adults and ageing are depicted through a review of the literature as well as in media.

The Active Ageing Index (AAI) is being developed as a demographic tool to evaluate and measure the potential for active and healthy ageing among older adults in Azerbaijan. The index aims to assess the level of participation of older persons in society and identify areas that require improvement. By applying this index, Azerbaijan seeks to advance its efforts in improving the social welfare of older people, enhancing their access to social services, and promoting their involvement in various spheres of public life. The AAI for Azerbaijan has been developed as part of the project “Building a Society for All Ages: Promoting the Well-Being of Older Persons in Azerbaijan Through Active Ageing,” implemented jointly by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The index is intended for use at both national and subnational levels, targeting the population aged 55 and older. It measures the extent to which older people lead independent lives, engage in paid work and community activities, and their potential for active ageing. The index was first calculated in 2021, with a report providing detailed information on the AAI in Azerbaijan and a comparative analysis with European Union countries. This comprehensive report offers insights into the activities and engagement of the population aged 55 and older and serves as a foundation for evidence-based policy development aimed at supporting active ageing in Azerbaijan.