Browse Ageing Policies

The objectives of the Strategy for Actions in the Interests of Older Citizens until 2025 are to sustainably increase the life expectancy, quality of life, and overall well-being of older citizens. It aims to promote active ageing and ensure social inclusion and support for older persons. The strategy is implemented by the Government of the Russian Federation, with key stakeholders including federal and regional authorities, social service organizations, healthcare providers, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) focused on older persons' care. This strategy targets older citizens across the entire Russian Federation. It encompasses various sectors, including health care, social services, and community support systems, aiming to address the needs of older persons comprehensively. Key interventions include improving health-care services for older adults, enhancing social support systems, and promoting active lifestyles through community programmes. Specific measures include increasing access to medical care, providing financial support, and developing infrastructure to support independent living for seniors. The strategy is implemented in two phases, with continuous monitoring and adjustments based on observed outcomes. The strategy was adopted on February 5, 2016.

The primary goal of RUTIS (Associação Rede de Universidades da Terceira Idade) is to promote active aging and to value Senior Universities, which are social responses aimed at fostering social, cultural, educational, and recreational activities for individuals over 50 years old. RUTIS is a national and international IPSS (Institution of Public Social Solidarity) with headquarters in Almeirim and a branch in Porto (Academia RUTIS Porto). Key stakeholders include 305 member UTIs, 45,000 senior students, and 5,000 volunteer teachers. The policy covers national and international levels, with a focus on the community and seniors. It involves Senior Universities across Portugal, registered as a trademark by RUTIS. The policy includes non-formal educational activities without certification aims, under the framework of lifelong learning. RUTIS is also involved in various national and international networks and is the only national institution with a state agreement for promoting active aging. The social importance of RUTIS and Senior Universities was officially recognized by the Council of Ministers Resolution No. 76/2016 of November 29, 2016.

The Office of the Commissioner for Older Persons has the objectives to promote and safeguard the interests and human rights of older persons, eliminate age discrimination, and ensure their active participation in society. The Office was established by the Commissioner for Older Persons Act, Chapter 553 of the Laws of Malta. Key stakeholders include the Council for Older Persons, various government ministries, NGOs, and the general public. The Office's functions target the elderly population of Malta, which constitutes over 20% of the total population. It covers national-level interventions aimed at improving the quality of life for older persons. The Office purposes include raising awareness about the rights of older persons, promoting healthy and active lifestyles, preventing elder abuse, and ensuring social inclusion. Specific measures include educational campaigns, collaboration with other entities, and providing guidance and support to older persons and their families. The Office's work is implemented through various initiatives such as media participation, public consultations, and collaboration with other stakeholders. The Office also investigates complaints and provides advice and guidance to older persons. The establishment of the Office has led to increased awareness about the rights and needs of older persons. The Office of the Commissioner for Older Persons was established on October 15, 2016.

The "Active Ageing Strategy for Longer and Better Working Lives in Latvia" was introduced in 2016 by Latvia's Cabinet of Ministers, to reduce the negative aspects caused by ageing of the population and improve support to the older population. The strategy was developed from 2014 to 2016 with support from the European Commission, implemented at the national level. This is the first policy planning document in the field of ageing in Latvia, the aim of which is to promote a longer and healthier working life of the Latvian population for improvement of the population and the overall economic situation, envisaging comprehensive measures in various fields relevant to older persons. Key measures focus on creating an inclusive labour market for older persons, ensuring they are educated and equipped to respond to changing labour market conditions. The strategy also promotes health initiatives that enable older individuals to remain physically active and independent for as long as possible. Additionally, social protection is emphasized to socially protect older workers.

The Employment Population Law aims to promote active employment assistance for individuals aged 16 up to retirement age. The law seeks to improve access to employment, prioritize older workers nearing retirement among other potentially vulnerable categories, and support entrepreneurship for unemployed and pre-retirement individuals. The law is implemented by the Government of Kazakhstan, with specific measures overseen by various state agencies. Article 17 of the law outlines active employment assistance, which includes job placements and training for individuals from 16 up to retirement age. Article 20 establishes social workplaces for the unemployed, with pre-retirement individuals receiving priority access. Article 23 prioritizes individuals over 50 for entrepreneurial initiatives, providing state support for training, project services, and microcredit. Additionally, the law guarantees social and medical support for unemployed individuals through the mandatory social insurance and healthcare systems. The law was repealed in 2023.

The Ministry of Labour - Interministerial Decree of 7 April 2016 for the experimentation of "subsidized part time" close to the old age pension was initiated in 2016 and active until 2018. It focuses on facilitating the transition to part-time work for private-sector employees nearing retirement. It was jointly developed and implemented by the Ministry of Labour and Social Policies and the Ministry of Economy and Finance at the national level. The policy specifically targets private sector employees close to retirement age who have met the minimum contribution requirements for the old-age pension. Key features include the experimental measure which allowed individuals close to retirement (with no more than 3 years remaining before their old-age pension) to opt for a reduction in working hours, ranging from 40% to 60%. Employers compensate employees with a sum equivalent to the pension contributions for the reduced hours, while the state ensures that the employees' pension rights remain intact through figurative contributions. The policy had financial resources capped at specific annual limits, with a maximum limit of €60 million for 2016, €120 million for 2017, and €60 million for 2018.

The National Adult Population Skills Guarantee Plan was approved in 2019. The plan is led by the Ministry of Education and Merit. The Plan has been incorporated into the document "Implementation in Italy of the Council Recommendation Paths for improving the level of skills: new opportunities for adults" – Report pursuant to Point 16 of the Council Recommendation of 19 December 2016 (2016/C 484/01). The target is the adult population, starting from 18 years of age, especially low skilled and/or with low levels of qualifications, the unemployed, the inactive, those at risk of unemployment or with an income from work below the poverty threshold. The Plan is divided into two actions. The first action is focused on research and experimentation activities to enhance the role of the Provincial Centers for Adult Education (CPIA). The second action regards the acquisition of basic language and digital skills, key skills for lifelong learning, citizenship skills and skills, as set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The Law No. 2016-87 of 2 February 2016 creates new rights for the sick and for people at the end of life aims to create new rights for patients and individuals at the end of life, ensuring they receive appropriate care and support. The main institution involved in its implementation is the French Government, namely the Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, and Women's Rights. Key stakeholders include healthcare professionals such as doctors, pharmacists, nurses, caregivers, and clinical psychologists. This policy affects the healthcare sector across France, targeting patients and individuals nearing the end of life. It mandates the inclusion of palliative care education in the initial and ongoing training of healthcare professionals. The law introduces several key features, such as mandatory training for healthcare professionals on palliative care, several enhancements to patient rights, including the right to refuse treatment, and the establishment of advance healthcare directives to respect patients' wishes. Regarding observed impacts, as of now, the law has led to increased awareness and integration of palliative care in medical training and practice. The law was adopted on February 2, 2016.

The "Tested and Approved by Seniors" label was created in April 2016 by AFNOR, the French standards association. The label is managed by AFNOR Certification at the national level, in collaboration with laboratories like Calyxis and Medialis, as part of efforts to support ageing in place and improve older persons' quality of life. Considering various criteria (unpacking of the product, ease of installation and use, intuitiveness of handling), this label indicates to consumers that the product is ergonomic, adapted to the abilities of the greatest number of people and in particular older persons. It is issued following a series of tests carried out by people aged over 60, ergonomists and occupational therapists. It covers a wide range of products, from home goods to technology. Since its creation, many products have obtained this label after passing the tests: telephone, washing machine, application, furniture, lighting system, etc. Companies of the Silver economy sector particularly use this label, which aiming at producing innovative goods and/or services that meet the various needs and expectations of older persons.

The Law n°2015-1776 of 28 December 2015 on the adaptation of society to ageing aims to anticipate the consequences of an ageing population, to improve the daily life of older persons and their caregivers, and to promote their autonomy and participation in society. The law involves various ministries, such as the Ministry of Social Affairs, Health and Women's Rights, the Ministry of Housing, Territorial Equality and Rural Affairs, and the Ministry of Justice. It also involves local authorities, such as the departmental councils and the regional health agencies, as well as various actors from the social and medical-social sector, such as service providers, professionals, associations, and users. It targets people aged 60 and over, especially those who are in a situation of dependency or vulnerability, as well as their relatives and caregivers. This law includes several measures, such as: creating a new personal autonomy allowance (APA) for people living at home or in institutions; the development of home care and support services, by creating a new status of polyvalent service facilitating access to adapted or social housing; or the creation a new home improvement fund. The law entered into force in 2016.

The Second Strengthening-of-Care Act (PSG II) in Germany, initiated in 2016, aims to improve the care system for individuals requiring long-term care. This policy is spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Health, implemented at the national level, and targets individuals with physical, cognitive, or psychological impairments. The primary objective is to provide equitable access to care services and enhance the quality of life for those needing care. Key features include the introduction of a new definition of care dependency and a new assessment tool, replacing the previous three care levels with five care grades, ensuring more precise and individualized care assessments. The act focuses on providing tailored support to maintain and improve the independence of care recipients. It includes financial adjustments, with the care insurance contribution rate increased by 0.2% to fund these improvements, amounting to an additional five billion euros annually for care services. The act also aims to reduce the burden on caregivers by offering better social security coverage and support mechanisms.

The project “Generation tandem” aims to support generational exchange and intergenerational solidarity in the labor market. It focuses on retaining pre-retirement workers and aligning the skills of new entrants or those returning to the labour market with job market demands. The project is co-financed by the European Social Fund and the state budget of the Czech Republic. It is managed by the Regional Branch of the Labour Office in Příbram. The project targets job seekers and those interested in employment in the Central Bohemian Region. It specifically focuses on pre-retirement workers and new entrants to the labour market, including graduates and those returning from parental leave or caregiving. The project provides wage subsidies to employers for hiring new employees and retaining pre-retirement workers. It includes training and mentoring programmes to transfer skills from experienced workers to new employees. Employers must retain pre-retirement workers for at least six months after the subsidy period. Regarding observed impacts, the project has enhanced job security for older workers and facilitated the transfer of knowledge to younger employees, improving their employability. The project was implemented from January 1, 2016, to April 30, 2023.

The law aims to support the well-being and social inclusion of individuals and families in need of social care, respecting their human rights and dignity. The law is developed by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, and covers all individuals and families in need of social care in Albania, especially older persons aged 60 and over. The law addresses the challenges and opportunities of aging, such as health, social care, social protection, social inclusion, participation, and empowerment. The law determines the types, benefits, and facilities of social care services, the conditions and procedures to access them, and the role and responsibilities of public and non-public bodies that provide them. The law defines four types of social care services: residential, community, pre-social, and homecare services. The law also establishes specialized, telephone, or online consulting services for specific categories of beneficiaries. The law is implemented by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, with a steering committee, a technical secretariat, and a monitoring and evaluation system. The law is aligned with the national and international frameworks and commitments on aging, such as the Madrid Plan, the SDGs, and the EU policies and programs. The law was adopted in 2016.