Browse Ageing Policies

The project, which was developed by TREXIMA and Age Management, targets employees in the Czech Republic, specifically focusing on sectors such as manufacturing, transport and storage, and health and social care. The analysis considers various demographics like age and gender. The project employs the Work Ability Index (WAI), a scientifically validated tool, to measure and evaluate work ability. The project had two stages: identifying at-risk sectors (2021) and conducting pilot measurements in specific industries (2022). The study aligns with national frameworks on ageing and includes both general and sector-specific recommendations. The evaluation includes mental health aspects, revealing that 36.5% of employees sometimes feel positive about the future, with 31.9% feeling positive quite often. The project's structured approach and evidence-based recommendations make it a model of good practice.

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 "National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence" was introduced in 2022 by Women and Gender Equality Canada in partnership with provincial and territorial governments to coordinate investments across Canada aimed at addressing gender-based violence. Implemented at the national level and guided by these coordinated efforts, this action plan targets victims, survivors, and their families across Canada, regardless of location. It aims to create a Canada free of gender-based violence. The action plan comprises five pillars and a foundational framework: support for survivors and their families; prevention; a responsive justice system; Indigenous-led approaches; social infrastructure and enabling environments; along with a foundation for cross-sector coordination, research, data collection, knowledge mobilization, reporting, and monitoring. Each province and territory has established bilateral agreements with Women and Gender Equality Canada, allowing flexibility to address local priorities and challenges. Recognizing that older women and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals are particularly vulnerable to gender-based violence, the plan includes targeted investments in housing, shelters, and transitional homes to provide safe options. Notably, all three territories have increased funding for shelters and transitional homes through the National Action Plan, while several provinces have enhanced shelter capacity to support individuals seeking safe refuge.

The "RCMP Seniors Guidebook to Safety and Security" was introduced in 2022 by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) as a public resource to support older persons and those around them in addressing common safety and security concerns. While not a policy, this guidebook is available nationally and is intended for older persons, their family members, caregivers, friends, and any others who may benefit from understanding issues related to safety and security. It aims to provide accessible information that encourages discussions about safety, helps recognize potential crime situations, and outlines ways to reduce or remove associated risks. Key measures include guidance on recognizing crime risks specific to older persons and strategies to mitigate these risks, encouraging proactive safety discussions. The guidebook was updated on September 28, 2022, to include information related to the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting recent developments and emerging safety concerns. This resource serves as a preventive tool to enhance community awareness and support safe, independent living for older Canadians by empowering individuals and their networks with essential safety information.

The "Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit" was introduced by the Department of Finance Canada in Budget 2022 and implemented by the Canada Revenue Agency. This policy, effective from January 1, 2023, operates at the national level and targets adults with disabilities who qualify for the Disability Tax Credit (18 years and older) and individuals aged 65 and over. It aims to support multigenerational living by providing financial assistance for home renovations that establish a secondary dwelling unit for eligible persons to live with a qualifying relation. Key measures include a refundable 15% tax credit on up to $50,000 of eligible renovation expenses, which can be claimed once per eligible person over their lifetime. Eligible renovations must be made to the principal residence of the qualifying individual and can be claimed by the eligible person, their spouse or common-law partner, and a qualifying relation who owns the dwelling. Qualifying relations include family members such as parents, grandparents, children, siblings, aunts, uncles, nephews, and nieces. Although data is not yet available due to the measure’s recent implementation, it is projected to cost approximately $25 million CAD for the 2023 tax year.

The "Digital Angel PLUS" project was introduced in 2022 in Germany, funded by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ) and managed by Deutschland sicher im Netz e.V. (DsiN). Implemented at the national level, this project targets older persons, particularly those in rural regions, to support their digital literacy and safe technology use. The project aims to enhance digital inclusion for older people by addressing both the benefits and risks of smartphones, tablets, and other digital tools in an increasingly digitalized world. Key measures include mobile advisory teams that travel across Germany in two buses, offering in-person guidance and support. The project extends its reach by integrating volunteers completing a voluntary social year (FSJ) with welfare organizations. Additionally, training courses for knowledge brokers are provided, which cover modules on various digital topics, such as education in old age, technology requirements, and funding opportunities. So far around 10,000 people have been able to benefit from this project.

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 “Measuring the Work Ability of Employees in the Czech Republic” initiative was introduced in 2022 by the Union of Industry and Transport of the Czech Republic in collaboration with TREXIMA, spol. s.r.o. and Age Management, z.s. Implemented at the national level, this initiative focuses on the manufacturing industry, transport and storage, and health and social care sectors, analyzing employee work ability across age and gender since 2011. Its aim is to identify factors affecting work ability at each stage of an employee’s life, enabling the development of targeted measures based on these insights. Key measures include using the Work Ability Index (WAI), a tool based on a certified questionnaire available in 29 languages, to evaluate work capacity. The study results in 6 thematic areas for final recommendations: integrating age management and work ability into national strategies, establishing legislative support for work capacity, using WAI data for research and decision-making, enhancing information and advisory services, providing public support for maintaining work ability at both individual and corporate levels, and promoting the development of personnel capacities in age management. This approach emphasizes the importance of work ability for older workers, addressing the effects of ageing in the workforce and supporting sustainable employment.

The National Center to Reframe Aging, led by The Gerontological Society of America and supported by Leaders of Aging Organizations, aims to eliminate ageism and promote a balanced narrative of aging across the U.S. It serves as a key resource for communication strategies and tools to positively frame aging issues, fostering a nationwide community to advocate for age-friendly policies. The center's initiatives, which have national scope and target older Americans, include developing resources to counteract age bias and collaborating with organizations to influence supportive policies. Some of these resources include a Learning Center and the guide “Reframing Aging Initiative: A Guide to Telling a More Complete Story of Aging” which includes presentations, press releases, academic work, and more. The guide is designed to be accessible and beneficial even for those without expertise in communication or gerontology, ensuring that anyone can contribute to a more nuanced understanding of aging. Since its inception in 2012 and subsequent growth into a central hub for the movement to reframe aging in 2022, the center has made significant strides in raising awareness and shaping policies, with ongoing efforts to ensure an age-friendly society for all as we age.

The 2022 National Family Caregiving Strategy is a comprehensive plan to improve the lives of millions of Americans who provide unpaid care to their loved ones. The strategy was developed by two advisory councils created by Congress, with input from the public and various stakeholders. The objectives of the strategy are to increase awareness, advance partnerships, strengthen services, support financial security, and promote innovation for family caregivers. The institutions involved in the strategy include 15 federal agencies, state and local governments, public health departments, philanthropies, and community-based, faith-based, and nonprofit organizations. The scope of the strategy covers family caregivers of all ages. The key features and implementation of the strategy include more than 350 federal actions and 150 measures that others can take in the next three years to begin to implement the strategy. The outputs and results of the strategy are expected to improve the quality of life of family caregivers and their care recipients, promote social cohesion and solidarity, create employment and professional opportunities in the caregiving sector, and contribute to the sustainability of the public social protection system. The timeline of the strategy is from 2022 to 2025, and it will be updated as the caregiving landscape evolves.

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 new student loan policy was introduced by the Swedish government through CSN (Centrala studiestödsnämnden) in 2022 and implemented at the national level in Sweden. It offers updated terms for student loans, particularly focusing on older students. The policy extends the age limit for obtaining student loans to the year an individual turns 60, making it easier for older individuals to pursue further education. Additionally, the repayment period has been adjusted so that the loan must be fully repaid by the end of the year the borrower turns 64, instead of 60 as it was previously. For those who had already taken loans before 2022, the policy allows the option to combine their old loans with the new ones, simplifying the repayment process by consolidating the payments into a single annual amount. The new loan structure includes a 25-year repayment period, an interest rate of 0.59% for 2023, and specific provisions for administrative fees and potential loan forgiveness at the age of 72.

The Annual "All-Russian Computer Multisport Championship among Pensioners" has the purpose to enhance digital literacy among Russian pensioners, promoting their engagement with modern technology and improving their financial literacy in the digital sphere. The championship is organized by the Union of Pensioners of Russia and Moscow State Humanitarian and Economic University, with support from the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Russian Federation. Regional and municipal authorities, along with regional branches of the Russian Pension Fund, are also involved. The championship targets pensioners across Russia, including men over 60 and women over 55, as well as individuals with disabilities aged 35 and above. The competition is conducted at municipal, regional, and federal levels, with the final stage held in Moscow. Participants must demonstrate their skills in using the Yandex search engine, smartphone applications, and financial literacy. The competition themes are “Preservation of National Traditions of Russia” and “Health in Old Age as the Main Value of Life.” The event includes both in-person and remote formats, with specific measures to include older people and those with disabilities. The Championship was first initiated in 2022.

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 policy "Basic Digital Skills Training for Older Women” under the NAPGE 2021–2025 in Greece was introduced in 2021 by the Ministry of Digital Governance as part of a national initiative. The programme helps older women to access digital health services, employment services, e-commerce, banking services, etc. and familiarize them with the use of devices and applications on a daily basis. It uses material of the Digital Academy of Citizens for the creation of educational programs adapted to the needs of older women.

The “Prospects for Returning to Work Programme” (GAPS) was launched in 2022 in Germany by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women, and Youth (BMFSFJ), and implemented at the national level. It aims to increase equal opportunities and promote equal participation of women and men in the labor market and a partnership-based division of work and family care work. It also aims to support interested parties in the complex challenge of a professional re-entry or a professional reorientation and thus create the conditions for independent livelihood and old-age security. This programme targets people who want to reorient themselves professionally, who want to find out about the compatibility and division of gainful and care work or who want to return to work after a professional break. Companies, associations, counselling centres, trade unions and many more can also benefit from the programme. Key measures include setting standards for equality between men and women in the digital world of life and work and the equal distribution of gainful employment and unpaid private care work. Another component of the GAPS action programme is currently the re-entry calculator.

The National Employment and Skills Strategy 2023–2030 aims to enhance skills development, ensure decent employment for all, and align the labor market with sustainable development goals. Key institutions involved include the National Agency for Employment and Skills (NAES), Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES), and Ministry of Finance and Economy (MoFE). Stakeholders include employers, educational institutions, and international organizations like the EU and World Bank. This strategy targets the entire Albanian population, with a focus on youth, older persons, women, and vulnerable groups. It covers national and sectoral levels, impacting sectors like tourism, IT, energy, and agriculture. The strategy is divided in three different policy goals: (1) Skills Development, which focused on reducing skills mismatch, upskilling both men and women, and improving the overall functioning of the labor market; (2) Inclusive Employment, which aims to implement programs and services that support employment for all, ensuring decent work conditions and competitive salaries, and (3) Lifelong Training, with the objective of promoting continuous education and training opportunities to enhance employability and adaptability in the workforce. It aims to improve work quality, reduce informality, and increase productivity. Implementation involves monitoring and evaluation mechanisms and financial resources allocation. The strategy is set for 2023-2030.