Browse Ageing Policies

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 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 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 ""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 "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 "Programme on Active and Healthy Ageing for the Years 2023–2027" was introduced in 2023 by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection in Moldova. Implemented at the national level and led by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, the programme targets individuals aged 60 and above. It aims to mainstream the principle of active ageing across all sectoral policies, reduce discrimination and stereotypes toward older people, and consolidate the efforts of all stakeholders to promote policies that address the needs of the ageing population. Key measures include integrating ageing considerations into regional and local development projects, implementing workplace mentoring involving older persons, and expanding the national statistical framework on ageing indicators, such as healthy life expectancy and access to cultural services. Additionally, the programme promotes lifelong learning through the "University for the 3rd Age" initiative, pilots sports and cultural services adapted for older people, and enhances community mobilization services for older persons. The programme also includes an Active Ageing Small Grants Programme and the development of a National Platform of ICT Equipment for Older People, ensuring accessible digital resources. Partnering entities include the Ministries of Education, Infrastructure, Culture, Health, and Internal Affairs, alongside local authorities and research institutions.

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.

In March 2024 the Government of Ireland established an independent Commission on Care for Older People. The Commission is charged with examining the provision of health and social care services and supports for older people and with making recommendations to the government for their strategic development. Subsequently a cross-departmental group will be established under the auspices of the Commission to consider whether the supports for positive ageing across the life-course are fit-for-purpose and to develop a costed implementation plan for options to optimise these supports. The Commission is chaired by Professor Alan Barrett (Chief Executive Officer, Economic and Social Research Institute) and is comprised of independent experts. It is supported by a secretariat from Ireland’s Department of Health.

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 Programme on Active and Healthy Ageing for 2023–2027 was approved by the Government of the Republic of Moldova in 2023. It is led by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, involves national and local stakeholders, including government authorities, civil society, and development partners like UNFPA and UNECE. It is implemented at the national level, targeting older persons across the Republic of Moldova. It aims to improve access to social services, integrate ageing into sectoral policies, and enhance community participation. Key features include expanding social services in 50 communities, such as creating new day centers and home care services, and improving access to essential services like sanitation, water, and waste collection in regions with significant older populations. The programme also focuses on fostering regional economic and social development to directly benefit older persons. Additionally, it integrates ageing into five key sectoral policies, enhances digital literacy among older persons through the creation of a national ICT platform, and supports lifelong learning opportunities aligned with the "2030 Education Development Strategy." The programme emphasizes the collection of systematic statistical data to monitor the integration of ageing across all sectors. It aims to raise the Active Ageing Index from 28.7 points in 2020 to 36.8 points by 2027.

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 “Parliamentary Research Commission” was established in June 2022 in Türkiye to investigate the problems experienced by older persons in various areas of life and to determine the measures to be taken. During the working process of the Commission, a national-level comprehensive report containing the problems of older persons and solution suggestions for these problems was prepared. This report was presented by the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) in 2023, compiled by a special parliamentary commission formed by members of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, including various stakeholders from governmental bodies, academics, NGOs, and experts. It targets older persons in Türkiye, particularly those experiencing difficulties in accessing healthcare, social services, and facing discrimination in various spheres of life. It identifies challenges faced by older persons in Türkiye, including social exclusion, difficulties accessing healthcare and social services, digital illiteracy, and economic insecurity. It provided key recommendations which include promoting active ageing, creating age-friendly environments, strengthening legal protections, and encouraging policy coordination among government, NGOs, and the private sector. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure effective policy implementation and advocates for public education campaigns to raise awareness about older persons' rights.

The objective of the National Strategic Policy for Active Ageing 2023-2030 of Malta is to mainstream ageing and to protect the human rights of older people by mitigating against age discrimination, elder abuse, social exclusion, and solitude, whilst also acting as a catalyst for excellent levels of acute, community and long-term care. While the Ministry for Active Ageing is the institution responsible for leading the implementation of the recommendations of the policy, different Ministries are to ensure the necessary funding and human resources for initiatives that fall under their respective responsibility are available. Furthermore, the policy includes as one key objective the formation of an Inter-Ministerial Committee, chaired by the Minister for Active Ageing, to coordinate the implementation of its recommendations. While some of the recommendations are aimed directly at older persons, in terms of scope, many call for action on the societal level. A key feature of the policy are its comprehensive list of planned measures and initiatives. In terms of timeline, the policy will be implemented in the years 2023-2030.

The Guidelines on eliminating inequalities have the goal to ensure equality, inclusion, non-discrimination, and respect for fundamental rights. It aims to integrate gender equality, accessibility for persons with disabilities, and transition from institutional to community-based care. The guidelines are overseen by the Ministry of Welfare and involves various stakeholders, including state institutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the European Union. The guidelines cover national implementation and targets all sectors receiving EU funds. It focuses on gender equality, non-discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, disability, age, or sexual orientation, and ensuring accessibility for persons with disabilities. Key features of the guidelines include promoting gender equality, ensuring accessibility, combating discrimination, and supporting community-based care. The guidelines emphasise on promoting the inclusion of older persons in various social activities and preventing their isolation. The guidelines mandate that all EU-funded activities must reduce segregation and exclusion, and infrastructure projects must ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities. The policy was updated on November 28, 2023.

The Recovery and Resilience National Plan aims to mitigate the economic and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in Slovenia, and to support the green and digital transition of the country. The policy also aims to contribute to the goals of the European plan REPowerEU, which seeks to reduce the dependence on Russian fossil fuels and accelerate the green transition. The policy is implemented by the Government of Slovenia, through the Office for Recovery and Resilience, in coordination with other ministries and public institutions. The policy covers five areas and targets various sectors and groups of the Slovenian society and economy, such as industry, tourism, education, research, health, public administration, and civil protection. The policy has a national scope, but also considers regional and local specificities and needs. The policy consists of 34 reforms and 48 investments, which are grouped into 17 components. The policy includes measures such as renovating buildings, improving the environment and water management, enhancing digital skills and infrastructure, supporting innovation and competitiveness, strengthening the labour market and social inclusion, developing sustainable tourism and cultural heritage, improving health care and long-term care, and increasing housing affordability. The policy will be implemented between 2021 and 2026.

The “Active+” programme is an initiative aimed at increasing the participation of older persons in social life. It aims to support seniors in various areas, helping them remain active, develop competences, and view ageing as an opportunity. The programme is established by the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy. Non-governmental organisations and other authorized entities are the main stakeholders involved in project implementation. “Active+” is a multi-annual programme operating from 2021-2025 across Poland, with an annual budget of PLN 40 million. It targets all older persons, focusing on their social participation and digital inclusion. The programme offers co-financing for projects in four priority areas: social activities, social participation, digital inclusion, and preparation for old age. It includes activities like active leisure, voluntary work, and improving seniors' tech skills. Additionally, the programme strengthens the self-organisation of the community of older persons and increases their influence on decisions concerning the living conditions of citizens. On the digital sphere, the programme focuses on increasing older person's ability to use modern technologies and new media. Previous Programme (“Senior+” and the Government Programme for Social Participation of Senior Citizens) have positively impacted nearly 1.4 million older persons.

The Education Development Strategy for 2021–2027 aims to ensure quality education opportunities for all Latvian residents, fostering their potential development and lifelong learning capabilities. The Ministry of Education and Science is the main responsible institution, with support from various ministries including Defense, Economy, Finance, Culture, Interior, Welfare, Environment, Health, Agriculture, and the Cross-Sectoral Coordination Centre. This policy covers all levels and types of education in Latvia, targeting the entire population. It aims to address national educational needs and align with both Latvian and European Union development and policy planning documents. Key strategies include enhancing teacher and academic staff qualifications, modernizing educational offerings to meet labour market demands, providing support for individual growth, and ensuring sustainable and effective management of the education system. Implementation involves creating action plans for different periods and regular evaluations. The policy was adopted on June 22, 2021 and it will run until 2027.

The Strategic Framework for Preparing for an Ageing Society 2021–2025 aims to change the perception and attitude of society towards ageing and to prepare for the demographic transition. The framework is implemented by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, in collaboration with other ministries. The framework covers the whole population of the Czech Republic, with a special focus on older persons. The framework sets out “10 fundamentals of the preparation for Ageing”, which are: 1) fair pensions, 2) more accessible and quality social and health services, 3) more accessible and barrier-free housing for older persons, 4) supporting the sandwich generation and informal family caregivers, 5) preparing the state administration for societal ageing, 6) supporting the family and human relationships, 7) safe life of senior citizens, fight against discrimination, violence and so-called crooks, higher consumer protection, 8) lifelong learning, labor market and active ageing, 9) barrier-free public space, 10) awareness raising and media coverage of ageing. The framework sets out specific indicators and targets for each of the fundamentals, as well as the funding and the actors responsible for their implementation. The framework spans from 2021 to 2025.