Browse Ageing Policies

The Maltese National Dementia Strategy 2024-2031, titled ‘Reaching New Heights’, aims to significantly improve the quality of services and the quality of life of persons living with dementia in the Maltese islands. The Strategy builds upon the progress made by the previous strategy and focuses on several key areas, including increasing awareness and understanding of dementia, reducing the risk of developing the condition, enabling early diagnosis, empowering individuals with dementia and their families, developing a dementia-capable workforce, strengthening integrated person-centered care, and advancing dementia research. Specific measures featured in the Strategy include, for example, campaigns to lessen stigma and discrimination associated with dementia, ensuring that day care services for persons with dementia are available and accessible, and increasing the number of beds for persons with dementia in long-term care services. An Inter-Ministerial Committee, led by the Ministry for Active Ageing, will oversee the implementation of the Strategy, involving people with dementia and their families.

The National Dementia Action Plan aims to make Denmark dementia-friendly, provide personalized care, and actively support relatives. The plan focuses on prevention, early intervention, and research to improve the quality of life for people with dementia and their families. The plan was developed through a broad and inclusive process involving the Danish government, local municipalities, citizens with dementia, their relatives, and various experts and professionals. The plan targets people with dementia, their families, healthcare professionals, and local authorities across Denmark. It aims to create dementia-friendly municipalities and improve the quality and consistency of care nationwide. The plan includes three main objectives: 1. Making Denmark dementia-friendly with 98 dementia-friendly municipalities. 2. Ensuring more people with dementia are diagnosed and receive the care they need. 3. Reducing the use of antipsychotic medications by 50% by 2025. The action plan outlines five focus areas: 1. Early detection and better quality in investigation and treatment. 2. Improved quality in care, support, and rehabilitation. 3. Support and advice for relatives. 4. Creating a dementia-friendly society and housing. 5. Increasing knowledge and competence in dementia care. From 2016 to 2023, significant steps have been taken to promote health, prevent dementia, and improve care. The action plan has led to the establishment of dementia-friendly municipalities, improved diagnostic rates, and efforts to reduce antipsychotic medication use. The implementation of these measures aims to reduce geographical disparities and enhance the quality of life for people with dementia.

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 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 Austrian Dementia Strategy aims to establish a system that promotes participation, autonomy, and high-quality care for individuals affected by dementia and their families. It seeks to provide timely information, ensure accessibility to support services, and involve individuals in care decisions. The strategy also focuses on enhancing the education and training of professionals in the field. The strategy was developed by the Austrian National Public Health Institute (Gesundheit Österreich GmbH, GÖG), with input from various experts and stakeholders, including persons with dementia and political decision-makers. It is coordinated by GÖG on behalf of the Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection. The strategy targets people with dementia, their families and friends, healthcare and social services personnel, researchers, educators, funding bodies, ethics commissions, government authorities, media, and the general public. It covers a wide range of stakeholders to ensure comprehensive support for individuals affected by dementia. The strategy outlines seven objectives and 21 recommendations, including promoting participation and self-determination, extending information provision, enhancing knowledge and competence, creating coordinated care frameworks, adapting care structures, expanding low-threshold contact points, and ensuring quality improvement through research. Key actions include developing information concepts, public relations campaigns, training for medical and non-medical staff, and establishing a Dementia Strategy Platform. From 2016 to 2023, around 130 actions were implemented, contributing to health promotion, dementia prevention, and care improvements. A federal working group of people with dementia was established to help design services and reduce stigmatization. Conferences and newsletters have engaged over 750 stakeholders and around 250 recipients, respectively, fostering ongoing collaboration and development of evidence-based measures.

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 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 "Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care - Recommendations on Screening for Primary Prevention of Fragility Fractures" was published by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care in 2023. Funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada and implemented at the national level, this initiative targets community-dwelling adults aged 40 and older, particularly females aged 65 and above. It aims to reduce the incidence of fragility fractures among older persons, a significant health concern that can lead to disability, hospitalization, long-term care admission, and diminished quality of life. Key measures include risk assessment-first (FRAX) screening for females aged 65 years and older to estimate fracture risk as a preventive measure. The guideline further recommends Bone Mineral Density (BMD) testing only for females aged 65 and above who are aware of their fracture risk and express interest in preventive treatment. Notably, the Canadian Task Force guidelines are independent of the Government of Canada and are not formally endorsed.

The "National Public Education Campaign on Dementia Stigma Reduction and Dementia Risk Reduction" was implemented in 2021 by the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Dementia Policy Unit and Health Canada’s Communications and Public Affairs Branch. Implemented at the national level, this campaign targets older persons aged above 40, particularly women and those with chronic health conditions, as well as service providers aged above 18, at-risk adults aged above 25, individuals engaging in unhealthy behaviours, and adults aged above 35 with a focus on women and ethnic minority groups. It aims to reduce stigma related to dementia, raise awareness of dementia, increase knowledge of risk factors, and promote healthy lifestyle behaviours to lower dementia risk. Key measures included multi-media advertising and marketing, media tours with spokespeople, and a social media influencer campaign. Survey results demonstrated positive impacts: 76% of participants felt the ads reduced negative perceptions of those with dementia, 68% felt the ads effectively conveyed ways to support people with dementia, and 63% found new information in the campaign. For risk reduction messaging, 86% of participants recognized dementia risk as an important topic, 80% felt informed about risk reduction strategies, and 40% reported increased personal consideration of dementia risks.

The "Working Together to Improve Health Care in Canada: Aging with Dignity Bilateral Agreements" was introduced by the Government of Canada in collaboration with provincial and territorial governments in 2023-24. Implemented at the national level and led by the Minister of Health, this initiative targets older persons across Canada and aims to enhance the quality, accessibility, and dignity of home and long-term care services. Key measures include $3 billion over five years to improve the availability and quality of long-term care, ensuring that national standards are applied and permanent improvements are made. Additionally, $2.4 billion over four years is dedicated to expanding home care services, allowing individuals to age at home as long as possible, in line with the Common Statement of Principles on Shared Health Priorities. To support these services, $1.7 billion over five years is allocated to improve working conditions and wages for personal support workers, who play a critical role in home and long-term care. These priorities are supported by federal investments totaling $200 billion over ten years through the "Working Together to Improve Health Care for Canadians Plan" announced in February 2023, with funding adjustments planned in 2024-25 to further strengthen support workers’ conditions.

The "Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)" was introduced by the Government of Canada in 2023 as a national initiative to improve access to dental and oral health care for uninsured Canadians with annual family incomes under $90,000, with no required co-pay for families earning below $70,000. Implemented at the national level and led by the federal government, this plan targets vulnerable populations, including older persons, especially those in remote communities or requiring specialized care. Key measures include the Oral Health Access Fund, which provides targeted investments to address oral health gaps among underserved populations and reduce barriers to care in rural and remote areas. For older persons, the plan covers essential services such as preventive (cleaning), diagnostic (exams, x-rays), restorative (fillings), endodontic (root canals), periodontal care, and dentures, including repairs. Many older individuals are now receiving dentures for the first time. As of August 2024, over 2,228,000 older persons have enrolled, representing over 60% of Canada’s eligible older population. It is anticipated that the CDCP will lead to better health outcomes for all beneficiaries, including older persons, with fewer visits to the emergency room and reduced pressure on the health care system.

The "Bill C-64, An Act Respecting Pharmacare (Pharmacare Act)" was introduced by the Government of Canada on February 29, 2024 to establish the foundational principles for national universal pharmacare. Implemented at the national level and led by the Minister of Health, this proposed legislation targets all Canadians, aiming to ensure universal, single-payer, first-dollar coverage for key medications, initially focusing on contraception and diabetes medications. Key measures include a commitment to collaborate with provinces and territories to provide comprehensive coverage and the establishment of a fund supporting access to diabetic devices and supplies. The Act mandates the Canadian Drug Agency to develop a national formulary and a bulk purchasing strategy for cost-effective drug procurement. It also calls for a pan-Canadian strategy on appropriate prescription drug use. Additionally, the Minister of Health is tasked with forming a committee of experts to make recommendations on the operation and financing of a single-payer pharmacare model. By reducing financial barriers to essential medications, the Act addresses the healthcare needs of older persons, who often face higher medication costs due to age-related health conditions.

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 "Long-Term and Continuing Care Framework" was initiated in 2023 by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), following a commitment in the 2021 mandate letter of the Minister of Indigenous Services. Implemented at the national level and led by ISC, this framework targets Indigenous populations, particularly those in need of long-term care, aiming to ensure Indigenous people have equitable access to high-quality, culturally safe long-term care services in or near their communities and to strengthen First Nations and Inuit control and autonomy over these services. Key measures include ISC’s funding of two existing LTCC-like programs: the Assisted Living (AL) program, which provides non-medical and social support services for older persons, adults with chronic illness, and those with disabilities on reserves or in Yukon, and the First Nations and Inuit Home and Community Care (FNIHCC) program, which funds medical in-home and community care for First Nations people on reserves and Inuit people north of the 60th parallel. ISC also initiated community engagements across First Nations and Inuit communities, collecting insights from stakeholders of the AL and FNIHCC programs. In May 2023, the Ontario Native Welfare Administrators’ Association (ONWAA) released the final First Nation’s engagement report, “National Community Engagement in First Nation Long-Term and Continuing Care (LTCC)”.

The "Promoting Wellness and Independence Older Persons in Custody - A Policy Framework" was introduced in 2018 by Correctional Service Canada (CSC) to address the unique needs of older persons in federal custody. Implemented at the national level and guided by CSC, this policy framework targets the ageing prison population, which is growing due to population ageing, late-life sentencing, and longer sentences. It aims to promote wellness and independence for older persons in custody by building on existing programs and services. Key measures include a holistic, person-centred approach that is age, gender, and culturally appropriate. This framework emphasizes health and well-being, tailored programming, suitable living accommodations, and community engagement. Developed in consultation with experts in geriatrics, gerontology, law, Indigenous health, and correctional health, the framework is informed by both domestic and international research. Ongoing discussions with stakeholders in gerontology, correctional health, ethics, and community contribute to this framework, which is intended as a living document that evolves with emerging data and needs.

The "Social Prescription Project" was introduced in 2024 in Lithuania by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Culture to support retirees’ psychological well-being and mental health. Implemented at the national level and coordinated by public health office project coordinators, this initiative targets older persons, particularly those at social risk, experiencing bereavement, or loneliness. It aims to strengthen psychological well-being and mental health among older persons by engaging them in free, long-term cultural, wellness, non-formal education, and other community-based activities. Participation in these activities helps create social connections that reduce social exclusion, alleviate anxiety, manage chronic diseases, and improve the psychological state and mental health of older people, while also reducing the stigma of disability. Key measures include allowing family doctors or primary mental health care teams to refer older individuals to local classes and activities — such as cultural, scientific, sports, or volunteering events — available in their municipality. As part of the project, a family doctor or primary mental health care team member can refer older individuals to local classes, such as cultural, scientific, sports, and volunteering activities, held in their municipality of residence. These activities are designed to promote active social engagement and psychological resilience.

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 “Federal Government's Strategy to Counter Loneliness” was introduced in 2022 in Germany by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ). It was voted on by the federal ministries and resulted in a cabinet decision on December 13, 2023. Implemented at the national level, this strategy targets all age groups, with a particular focus on older persons to address loneliness and social isolation. The strategy’s five main goals are to raise public awareness to destigmatize loneliness, strengthen scientific knowledge, reinforce practical interventions, foster cross-sectoral actions to address the complexities of loneliness, and support affected individuals, with a focus on the needs of older persons. Key measures include 46 overarching and 65 individual measures for both the prevention and alleviation of loneliness, reflecting the urgency of the issue. The BMFSFJ is funding several projects specifically for older persons through the European Social Fund (ESF Plus) programme titled “Strengthening the Participation of Older People - Countering Loneliness and Social Isolation”, which launched in October 2022 and includes over 70 projects continuing until 2027. To bolster research, the first Loneliness Barometer was published in May 2024 as a monitoring tool to track loneliness trends.

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 Informative Report “Final evaluation on the implementation of the Strategy on the Development of Social Services 2014–2020” aims to promote equality, inclusion, non-discrimination, and respect for fundamental rights. It aims to integrate gender equality, ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities, and transition from institutional to community-based care. The report is overseen by the Ministry of Welfare, specifically the Social Policy Planning and Development Department. Key stakeholders include various EU funds, national institutions, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The report targets all sectors receiving EU funds, focusing on national implementation. It addresses gender equality, disability access, racial and ethnic inclusion, religious freedom, age, and sexual orientation. The report evaluates specific actions such as ensuring accessibility in infrastructure projects, promoting gender equality in employment, and supporting community-based care. It emphasizes monitoring and reporting to ensure compliance with EU regulations. The report was published on April 19, 2022.