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.

The main objective of the Austrian Austrian Dementia Quality Register (DQR) is to collect socially and health-related data on people with dementia in Austria and their care using scientifically defined indicators and, based on this, to bring about an improvement in the care landscape. The project aims to improve the quality of care and the quality of life for people with dementia and their relatives. It will contribute to provide important new information on the current care of dementia patients and at the same time map developments in care and nursing. The lead entity is the Austrian National Public Health Institute Gesundheit Österreich GmbH (GÖG) on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection (BMSGPK). The steering group consists of the BMSGPK, GÖG and representatives of the Austrian Alzheimer Society (ÖAG). Reporting stakeholders who are relevant to the care provided in the context of dementia diagnosis (e.g. general practitioners, memory clinics, mobile care services, etc.) play an active role in data collection. The register thus pursues the overarching goal of optimizing the diagnosis, treatment and care of people with cognitive disorders and their caregivers. An initial pilot will take place in selected areas in summer 2024 to test the variables and determine a final data set.

The "Enhancing the Age-Friendly World Web Platform and Global Database of Age-Friendly Practices" project was initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO) in March 2024, with support from a grant by the Public Health Agency of Canada. Implemented at the international level, this initiative targets global communities working to support healthy ageing. It aims to expand the Age-Friendly Communities (AFC) model worldwide by modernizing the Age-friendly World web platform and broadening access to resources that promote healthy, active living for older persons. Key measures include the modernization of the Age-friendly World platform and the Global Database of Age-Friendly Practices, along with the creation of Knowledge and Action Hubs. These hubs will increase access to evidence-based tools and guidance to inform local, evidence-based actions and reduce inequities in access to age-friendly resources. In the longer term, the project seeks to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange across communities worldwide and increase the global uptake of the AFC model, leading to improved health outcomes and quality of life for older persons in communities implementing the model. The project is expected to be completed in 2027.

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 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 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 “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 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.