Browse Ageing Policies

The National Positive Ageing Strategy aimed to promote the health, wellbeing, and quality of life of people as they age in Ireland. It focused on removing barriers to participation, supporting physical and mental health, ensuring security and dignity, and using research to inform policy. The strategy was developed by a Cross-Departmental Group including representatives from various government departments and agencies. It also involved a Non-Governmental Organisation Liaison Group with representatives from twelve national-level NGOs. It was a national strategy targeting the entire population of Ireland, with a focus on older persons. It addressed multiple sectors including health, social services, employment, education, transport, and housing. The strategy emphasizes a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, with collaboration across various sectors and levels of government. The strategy outlined four main goals, specifically removing barriers to participation and provide more opportunities for older persons to engage in cultural, economic, and social life, supporting people as they age to maintain, improve, or manage their physical and mental health and wellbeing, enabling people to age with confidence, security, and dignity in their own homes and communities for as long as possible, and supporting and using research about ageing to better inform policy responses to population ageing in Ireland. The strategy run from 2013 to 2017.

The Royal Decree-Law 5/2013, enacted by the Spanish Government on March 15, 2013, is a comprehensive policy designed to address the challenges posed by demographic shifts, such as low birth rates and increased life expectancy, which impact the sustainability of pension systems. The decree's objectives are to promote the active ageing of the workforce and to ensure the viability of the pension system for future generations. It encompasses all regimes within the Social Security System, with the exception of the passive classes regime, which follows its specific regulations. The policy's scope is national, targeting workers nearing retirement age and those already retired who are willing to remain active. It introduces significant reforms to the retirement system, including the compatibility of receiving a pension while continuing to work, either full-time or part-time, and the regulation of early and partial retirement conditions. Additionally, the law requires companies to make economic contributions to the State in case of collective redundancies including workers aged 50 or more, aiming to discourage age discrimination and to rationalize the obligations of companies in the context of employment regulation measures.

The objective of the Award of the Government Council for Older Persons and Population Ageing is to recognize and honour individuals, organizations, and other entities for their significant contributions to enhancing the quality of life for seniors and addressing issues related to aging and old age. The main institutions involved are the Council and the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MPSV). The Council members nominate candidates for the awards, and a jury composed of representatives from the Council and MPSV evaluates these nominations. The award targets individuals, organizations, and entities that have made notable contributions to senior citizens' well-being. It is a national initiative, covering the entire country. The policy includes a nomination and evaluation process. Council members submit nominations, which are then assessed by a jury. The awards aim to highlight and promote efforts that improve seniors' lives and address ageing issues. The first edition of the Award was celebrated in 2013, when the policy was established. The recognition activities are ongoing, with regular evaluations and awards.

The National Action Plan for Positive Ageing for the Period 2013–2017 aims to ensure and protect the human rights of older persons, promote lifelong learning, employment, volunteering and intergenerational cooperation, create a quality environment for the life of seniors, support healthy ageing and care for older persons. The main institution responsible for the implementation of the plan is the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, in cooperation with other ministries, regional and local authorities, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders. The plan covers the whole population of the Czech Republic, with a special focus on the older persons. Some of the key goals of the plan include the development of a legal framework and monitoring mechanisms to prevent and combat discrimination, abuse and violence against older persons, the extension of working life and the adaptation of the labor market and social security systems to the needs and preferences of older workers and seniors, the promotion of healthy lifestyles via the prevention and early diagnosis of chronic diseases, and the enhancement of quality of long-term care, among others. The plan was implemented from 2013 to 2017.