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• Social security and safety of older adults in Poland

  9-11

  Bogusława Urbaniak

  Views:

  329

  Poland’ population will be ageing at a fast rate in the coming decades. It is projected that in 2070 the Polish ratio between people aged 65 and over and those aged 15-64 years will be 62.6, the highest among EU-27 countries. Population ageing appeared in the public debate in Poland as a separate subject in the 1990s, following a negative natural population increase and the looming impact of the massive withdrawal of baby boomers from the labour market on the pension system. One of the reasons for older persons’ growing interest in retirement was pension system reforms planned by successive governments.

  The announcement of the year 2012 as the European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity Between Generations (decision no. 940/2011/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 September 2011) contributed in Poland to the emergence of a senior policy from a social policy and initiated major legislative, institutional, and organisational changes at the national, regional and local levels of government. It also inspired the redefinition of measures used hitherto in line with the evolution in the perception of older people from social care recipients to active members of their communities entitled to education and economic, social, civic and political activity. In 2013, the Senior Policy Council was established as a consultative and advisory body to the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, and then similar councils supporting regional and local authorities were organised.

  In order to encourage greater activity among seniors, a special governmental programme was created in December 2013, which grants funds on a competitive basis to projects concerning social activities, education, and intergenerational cooperation submitted by informal and formal groups of seniors.

  The national government’s key documents on senior policy, one for the period from 2014 to 2020 and the other spanning the years until 2030, are Resolution 238 of 24 Dec. 2013 by the Board of Ministers on the Adoption of Long-term Senior Policy in Poland for the Years 2015-2020 and Resolution 161 of 28 Oct. 2018 by the Board of Ministers on the adoption of Social Policy Towards the Older Persons 2030. Security-Participation-Solidarity. In 2015, the Polish Parliament passed the elderly people act, which requires institutions in charge of the well-being of older persons to monitor and report on their situation. The reports submitted by the institutions are used by the Ministry of Labour to compile and present an annual evaluation of the status of the older population in Poland.

  The regional governments’ senior policy is reflected in their social policy strategies. The strategies’ operational goals started to address needs specific to older people since 2002, focusing in particular on improving their quality of life, developing round-the-clock care services, at-home care services, and rehabilitation services, and on reducing social exclusion and marginalization of seniors.

  Social security and the safety of older adults are progressively improving in Poland, but the greatest progress has been made in the area of active ageing. Social care services for the elderly still require improvement, because the predominant family care model is inefficient in many ways due to:

  • limited financing of care services by public institutions,
  • the growing proportion of single elderly persons,
  • the increasing number of people aged 85+ (the so-called double population ageing),
  • social insurance disregarding long-term care to an elderly family member as an insurable risk,
  • a lack of legislation allowing employed people to seek a long-term leave to give care to an older family member,
  • the informal expectation that women who retire at the age of 60 years will take care of the oldest family members.

  While neither the scale nor the quality of home care services given to older persons is regularly surveyed in Poland, it can be presumed that the scale of care services is insufficient and that they excessively burden families with a member in need of care. Between 2010 and 2018, the number of persons aged 65+ increased in Poland by over 1.5 million, the number of the users of attendance services and specialised attendance services by 29,000 (from 99,000 to 128,000), and the number of residences in homes and facilities providing assistance to aged persons by 7,000 (from 20,000 to 27,100.)

• Local community practices to improve healthy aging in the North

  25-26

  Elena Golubeva

  Anastasia Emelyanova

  Views:

  314

  The governments of Finland, Denmark, Norway and Russia have developed national programs to address population ageing. There are also successful practices in healthy ageing at the local level in different countries, but they remain unknown among the global professional community and governmental authorities.

  Healthy ageing has become an important policy issue at all levels of the society. The key international document is the World Health Organization’s (WHO) plan for a Decade of Healthy Ageing 2020–2030 which is the second action plan of the WHO ‘s Global strategy on ageing and health. The Plan consists of 10 years of concerted, catalytic, sustained collaboration to improve the lives of older people, their families, and their communities. Older people themselves are in the core of this plan, and it brings together variety of actors, including governments, civil society, international agencies, professionals, academia, the media, and the private sector. The Plan also notes that healthy ageing is not only a healthcare issue but also needs to engage many other sectors.

  The aim of research was to search and introduce local community practices according the priority areas of WHO Decade of Healthy Aging action plan for gerontological policy in arctic countries.

  Examples of good practices for the Priority 1 of the Plan: Change how we think, feel and act towards age and ageing

  Fostering of Healthy Ageing requires fundamental shifts from existing stereotypes, prejudices, and discrimination towards older people. Older people should not be seen only as an economic burden for the welfare society, but as contributors to the state and communities, and as resourceful carriers of traditional values and wisdom. Governments eliminate age discrimination by variety of actions, such as legislative changes, and policies and programs which engage older people in decision-making.

  Initiatives for Priority 2 of the Plan: Ensure that communities foster the abilities of older people

  The environments which are built on decisions made not only by policy makers but involve citizens of all ages are better places to grow, play, live, work and retire. Even those people who have lost their capacity, shall be able to continue to enjoy everyday activities, to continue to develop personally and professionally, to participate and contribute to their communities while retaining their autonomy, dignity, health, and well-being.

  Practices for Priority 3 of the Plan: Deliver person-centered, integrated care and primary health services to older people

  Good-quality essential health services include prevention of diseases; promotion of healthy lifestyle; curative, rehabilitative, palliative and end-of-life care; safe, effective, good-quality essential medicines and vaccines; dental care; assistive technologies, while ensuring that the use of services does not cause the user financial hardship.

  Local northern practices are mirrored against the recently released WHO Decade of Healthy Ageing 2020-2030 Action Plan with paying attention to indigenous elders. Based on these practices the national, regional, and municipal level authorities of the Nordic countries and Russia were suggested to consider the policy recommendations based of the research.

• Growing Ageing Population and European Policies

  27-28

  Rehana Sindho Kabooro

  Views:

  315

  Introduction to Social change due to aged population

  Increased elderly population in Europe has many factors, it took decades what is happening now. Europe’s low fertility rate, Europe’s migration from developing to developed country, high life expectancy and immigration laws. The developmental strategies of G20 countries are significantly interlinked with the economic and population development policies. The recognition of ageing population is followed by the Japan’s ageing population process which is also mentioned in most of the Eu data on comparison for the ageing population strategies. It is a visible change that social and economic developments causes higher life expectancy and better health in Europe.
  The average middle age is increasing, and it is predicted about 4.5 years by 2019 to 2050 it may reach 48.2 years as European middle age. In the most developed parts of the world, elderly population was discussed long ago, and serious steps were taken for global improvements for older people. As the life expectancy increases dependency increases that creates pressure to fulfil the needs of elderly for health, socially, and economically. Increasing number of elderly populations, is actual rise in social, cultural, and economic responsibilities for welfare systems, health care systems and individuals. More elderly people, more reliance needed number of old age homes, elderly rehabilitation centers and Palliative care centers are increased.

  Population ageing is not a sudden change in population, but it took decades to consider about the population phenomenon. The European social change has major cause of ageing population that may has dark impact to the future perspective. In current situation birth rate is low, mortality rate is also low and life expectancy is high which is creating a lot pressure on the economic growth and to run the economic cycle the labour force is insufficient, health care systems are updating each year since COVID pandemic and system failure was visible in many OECD countries as well in such condition there is a lot more pressure on the women to balance birth ratio at the same time women is considered as “Sandwich Generation” by some of the European researchers, women cares for the both younger and the older generation nowadays.

  Such ageing population determinants push the policy makers to design such policies and laws to combat this situation to secure future generations. Some of the EU policies to promote Active ageing and solidarity between generations, Silver Economy project to provide elderly jobs to decrease dependency ratio and Healthy ageing programs are running but still there is long way to show up positive results if migration policies will not be softened at certain points to keep achieving sustainable development goals in Europe.

• Hungarian Gerontology 15 (Conference Issue) 2023 Full Issue

  Views:

  55

  Message from the Guest Editor Special Issue

  It is with immense gratitude and reflection that I write this brief editorial as the guest editor for the Online International Gerontology Conference proceedings. The conference has concluded, leaving us with a wealth of knowledge, insightful discussions, and a renewed commitment to the field of gerontology.

  I extend my sincere appreciation to Dr. Habil Marianna Móré, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen, and Dr. Agnes Bene for the gracious invitation to contribute to this distinguished event. As we reflect on the proceedings, we find ourselves standing at the intersection of a profound demographic shift and a global commitment to addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with an ageing population. In the conference, the exploration of gerontology, which has proven to be more critical than ever, was guided by three overarching themes: "Ageing," "Well-being," and "Innovation." These themes direct our exploration of the complexities of ageing, strategies for promoting well-being in older adults, and the transformative power of innovation.

  The challenges we discussed were substantial, but the potential for progress was equally significant. Together, we navigated the complexities of ageing, delving into strategies for promoting well-being in older adults and embracing the transformative power of innovation. The multifaceted journey of ageing, rich in wisdom and resilience, was a focal point of our discussions, inspiring research and influencing policy decisions.

  The concept of well-being took centre stage, emphasizing not just longevity but a life filled with dignity, contentment, and meaning. Our exploration of various facets of well-being showcased the latest research and best practices, reaffirming our commitment to creating communities where older adults can live with dignity and flourish. The third theme, "Driving Innovation," highlighted the necessity for creative thinking and novel strategies in the ever-evolving field of gerontology. The conference provided a platform to learn about and discuss the latest innovations, positioning gerontologists at the forefront of this innovation-driven journey.

  As a guest editor, I am privileged to witness the impact of our collective efforts. The proceedings encapsulate the depth of our discussions, the diversity of perspectives, and the commitment of gerontologists, researchers, caregivers, and policymakers to driving positive change. The conference has not only enriched our understanding of gerontology but has also fortified our shared vision for a brighter future for older adults worldwide.

  I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each contributor for their valuable insights and dedication. The proceedings stand as a testament to the tireless work and collaborative spirit that defines the gerontological community. May this compilation serve as a lasting resource, inspiring further research, policy development, and innovations in the pursuit of enhancing the lives of older adults. Thank you for your unwavering commitment and contributions.

   

  Dr. Christian Borg Xuereb PhD.

  Guest-Editor of the Special Issue

   

  Department of Gerontology and Dementia Studies

  Faculty for Social Wellbeing

  University of Malta, Malta

• Innovations in the “Smart Silver Economy”: An Overview of Their Selected Strengths and Weaknesses from an Ageing Policy Perspective

  9-10

  Andrzej Klimczuk

  Views:

  158

  The paper aims to critically present the features of two selected ideas from the field of public policy on ageing. Namely, the concept of the “silver economy” as an economic system associated with population ageing and its more recent version, referred to the “smart silver economy”, will be discussed.

• Ageing in Two Worlds: Policy and Culture in Pakistan and Hungary

  45

  Minahil Majid

  Rabia Nayyar Butt

  Views:

  16

  Pakistan and Hungary are at different stages of population ageing, yet both face challenges in balancing family caregiving and formal support. This study explores how national ageing policies and cultural attitudes shape elder care in these contexts.

• Az idősek nappali ellátása és az aktív idősödés lehetséges kapcsolata - Problémák,nehézségek, jó gyakorlatok a COVID-19 járvány tükrében

  135-138

  Kinga Vajda

  Views:

  610

  Bevezetés, problémafelvetés
  Az idősek korcsoportjának drasztikus növekedése komoly kérdéseket vet fel a különböző rendszerek, mint például gazdasági, egészségügyi vagy szociális ellátórendszer minőségi biztosításával és hatékony fenntarthatóságával kapcsolatban. Az előremutató statisztikák vonatkozásában még évtizedekig emelkedő tendenciát mutat a 65 éves és idősebb (vagy a WHO számításait követve a 60 éves és idősebb) személyek társadalmon belüli aránya. Míg 2020-ban a 60 éves vagy idősebb személyek száma 1 milliárd fő volt a világon, addig 2050-re e tekintetben 34%-os emelkedést prognosztizálnak (WHO, 2020). Az európai illetve magyar adatok sem térnek el ettől, az Eurostat számításai szerint a 65 éves és idősebb népesség társadalmon belüli aránya 2020 és 2050 között 20,6%-ról 29,5%-ra emelkedik (Eurostat, 2021), míg a magyarországi számok alapján 2019 és 2050 között 19,6%-ról 27,8%-ra növekszik ugyanezen érték (European Comission, 2021). Az olyan váratlan események, mint a COVID-19 világjárvány szintén komoly hatást gyakorolnak a szociális ellátásokra, különös tekintettel a járvány által egyik legérzékenyebben érintett csoport, az idős személyek számára biztosított ellátásokra. Az aktuális intézményrendszer a jelenlegi működési feltételekkel (tárgyi, anyagi, humánerőforrás) sem képes maradéktalanul kiszolgálni az igényeket, így amennyiben nem történik érdemi változás, rövid időn belül egyre nagyobb nyomás nehezedik rá, melynek feloldásaként elkerülhetetlenné válik a rendszer újrastrukturálása, olyan koncepciók, mint az aktív idősödés, ellátásba integrálása.

  Az aktív idősödés és az idősek nappali ellátása
  Az aktív idősödés elképzelésének megjelenését vizsgálva egészen az 1960-as évekig szükséges visszamenni, ekkor az ún. disengagement theory, mint az első időseket érintő egységes elképzelés jelent meg (Cumming & Henry, 1961). Ezt követően több egymást tartalmilag megközelítő fogalom formálódott a szakirodalomban, alkalmanként egymással párhuzamosan pl: produktív idősödés (Butler & Gleeson, 1985), sikeres idősödés (Rowe & Kahn, 1987, 1997), aktív idősödés (WHO, 2002), vagy éppen az egészséges idősödés (WHO, 2015, 2020). Közülük mégis az aktív idősödés fogalma tekinthető a leginkább komplex elképzelésnek. Kialakításakor törekedtek arra, hogy az érintettek csoportjának vonatkozásában az élet minden területét bevonva alkossanak új elképzelést, akkor amikor az aktív idősödésről beszélnek. Így jött létre az aktív idősödés leginkább átfogó megfogalmazása, melyet manapság is alkalmaznak: „az aktív idősödés egy olyan folyamat, mely optimalizálja a lehetőségeket az egészségügy, társadalmi részvétel és biztonság területein, hogy az idősödés folyamata során erősítse az életminőség pozitív irányú változását.” (WHO, 2002). Az aktív idősödés nappali ellátásban való megjelenése, ennek vizsgálata abból a szempontból is érdekes, hogy feltételezhetően a nappali ellátásban megjelenő ellátottak a leginkább függetlenek és önállóak, azaz aktívak, akik kisebb segítségekkel képesek saját otthonukban élni. Így magának az aktív idősödésnek a vizsgálata feltételezhetően az ő esetükben pontos képet mutat, hogy az elképzelés jelen van-e és amennyiben igen az életük mely területén vizsgálható leginkább.

  Módszertan
  Kevert módszertan mentén korábbi kvantitatív és kvalitatív adatfelvételek eredményei kerülnek prezentálásra, melyek a 7 régiós központban működő idősek számára nappali ellátást biztosító intézményekben kerültek felvételre. A kutatás kvantitatív szakasza a kényelmi mintavétel alkalmazásával készült, ennek elsődlegesen időbeli és anyagi okai voltak. Az első adatfelvételi szakasz során az aktív idősödés index (Zaidi et al., 2013) által is használt mérőeszköz került használatra apróbb változtatásokkal a magyar minta sajátosságai és az index mérőeszközét ért korábbi kritikák okán. 397 fő ellátott töltötte ki az anonim, önkitöltős kérdőívet. A kutatás kvalitatív szakaszában a régiós központokban működő idősek nappali ellátását vezetőkkel interjúk (8 db interjú), majd fókuszcsoportos formában az idősek nappali ellátásában dolgozókkal készültek adatfelvételek (7 db fókuszcsoportos interjú).

  Konklúziók
  Az egyre növekvő ellátotti igények okán az idősek számára biztosított szociális ellátások, köztük az idősek nappali ellátása is, egyértelműen átgondolásra és megalapozott keretek mentén történő átalakításra szorulnak. Az aktív idősödéshez köthető fontos területeknek jelentős része alacsony gyakorisággal jelenik meg a mintában. Az önkéntesség csupán a válaszadók 10,5%-nak életében van jelen minimum havi rendszerességgel, míg az info-kommunikációs ismeretek, illetve eszközök használata szintén a minta 35-36%-a esetében releváns. Fontos megjegyezni, hogy a válaszadók 20%-nak háztartásában a számítógép/internet kapcsolat hiánya anyagi okokra vezethető vissza. Az info-kommunikációs eszközök és tudás iránti növekvő igényt az interjúk és a fókuszcsoportos interjúk is alátámasztották, azonban ennek elsődleges okaként az adatfelvétel idején kezdődő és erősödő COVID-19 járvány miatti lezárásokat és az online kapcsolattartás felértékelődését jelölték meg. Az ellátottak körében tapasztalt alacsony IKT tudás mellett, több helyszínen felmerült a szakemberek ilyen típusú tudással való támogatásának szükségessége is. Az aktív idősödés index által mellőzött, azonban az önállóságot erősen támogató háztartáson belüli akadálymentesítés aránya szintén alacsony a válaszadók körében (25%). Az interjúk és fókuszcsoportok kapcsán jellemzően a makro szintű, szervezeti problémákat jelezték magas gyakorisággal a válaszadók pl.: ütköző szolgáltatások problémája, ellátottak szolgáltatásba és saját otthonukba jutása, speciális igényű (elsősorban demens) idős ellátottak ellátásának biztosítása magasabb férőhely számmal.

  Irodalmak:
  Butler, R., & Gleason, H. P. (1985). Enhancing vitality in later life. USA: Springer
  Cumming, E. & Henry, W. E. (1961). Growing Old. New York: Basic.
  European Comission (2021). The 2021 Ageing Report: Economic and Budgetary Projections for the EU Member States (2019-2070), Institutional Paper 148., Brussels.
  Eurostat (2021). Population structure indicators at national level. Letöltve: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/DEMO_PJANIND__custom_1210940/defa ult/table?lang=en (letöltve: 2021.09.18)
  Rowe, J. W., & Kahn, R. L. (1987). Human aging: usual and successful. Science, 237(4811), 143–149. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1126/science.3299702
  Rowe, J. W., & Kahn, R. L. (1997). Successful aging. The Gerontologist, 37(4), 433–440. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/37.4.433
  World Health Organisation (WHO) (2002). Acive Ageing – A policy Framework, 12. old. Letöltve: https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/67215 (letöltve: 2021.09.18)
  World Health Organization (WHO) (2015). World Report on Ageing and Health. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization. Letöltve: https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/186463 (letöltve: 2021.07.15
  World Health Organization(WHO) (2020). Decade of Healthy Ageing 2020-2030. Letölve: https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/decade-of-healthy-ageing/final-decade-proposal/decade-proposal-final-apr2020-en.pdf?sfvrsn=b4b75ebc_25&download=true (letöltve: 2021.09.18)

• Családi (informális) gondozást segítő rendszerek Magyarországon

  34-48

  László Patyán

  Views:

  542

  The member states of the European Union have to face the challenge of demographic aging. Taking the demographic characteristics of the member states, there are no essential differences in either the current or in the expected future development of the proportion of elderly people. Ageing affects several areas of the welfare regimes, but it is usually the health and pension systems and personal services that are highlighted. This paper deals with a special area of personal services, the family (informal) care and the support of carers in Hungary. The study introduces definitions of the informal care, welfare policies on family caregivers, the systematization attempts of the care policy in the member states, it analyzes the recent past and currently perceived care policy processes and ideologies, and finally describes the specific situation in the former Communist countries through an example of a Hungarian care policy. The basic idea of the article is that although the demographic challenges are similar, but the service policy and the development of the institutional systems show significant differences in each country. In addition to the underdeveloped institutional service system in the different countries, the post-Communist countries lack the supporting tools of the caring family members.

• Nordic Arctic cooperation in ageing: Policy analysis of age-inclusive outdoor spaces

  23-24

  Emelyanova Anastasia

  Blix Bodil H

  Agneta Larsson

  Olafsdottir Steinunn A

  Arja Rautio

  Views:

  185

  In the last decade, several various policy strategies have been adopted in response to population ageing in the Arctic. Governmental actions have yet to be evaluated in terms of their efficacy. By making an overview of specified policy actions, we define successes and failures on the way to building thriving age-inclusive communities in the Nordic region of the Arctic.

• Growing Old and Being Gay or Lesbian in Malta: Anticipating Care in a Heteronormative Society

  Christian Vella

  Views:

  195

  Malta presents a unique paradox for sexual minority elders: it boasts some of the world’s most progressive LGBTIQ+ legislation, yet retains a deeply rooted, religiously conservative social fabric. This article explores how this paradox shapes the ageing experiences and anticipated care needs of older gay men and lesbian women. Drawing on critical gerontology and utilising the Biographic-Narrative Interpretive Method (BNIM), to collect the data, using Thematic Analysis this study examins the life histories of participants aged 58 to 72. Findings reveal a pervasive fear of ‘re-closeting’ upon entry into long-term care, driven by a lifetime of navigating heteronormativity. A distinct gendered divergence emerged: while male participants largely embraced a gay identity, female participants frequently rejected the ‘lesbian’ label, adopting strategies of protective silence. The study challenges normative models of ‘successful ageing,’ highlighting instead the resilience found in ‘families of choice.’ The article concludes that despite legal equality, the lack of culturally competent care creates a precarious future for Maltese sexual minorities, necessitating urgent policy interventions and affirmative staff training to support ageing in place.

• Narratives of Senior Social Entrepreneurship in the Silver Economy

  55-56

  Andrzej Klimczuk

  Views:

  208

  The basic assumption of the paper is the recognition that the complexity of the challenges related to population ageing forces the development of cooperative links in the area of the silver economy between public policy entities representing various sectors. In other words, there is a need for more intensive and better-coordinated cooperation between organisations in the commercial sector, public sector, non-governmental sector, informal sector and social economy sector (e.g., cooperatives).

• Inmates with Dementia: Responding to an Ageing and Ailing Prison Population

  56-57

  Zofia Szweda-Lewandowska

  Joanna Felczak

  Views:

  15

  Penitentiary systems worldwide are confronting a profound demographic shift mirroring that of developed societies: a rapidly ageing prison population. This trend results in a growing number of inmates with complex, age-related health issues, most notably dementia and other severe cognitive impairments.

• Dementia and aging in Vietnam

  90-92

  Nguyen Thi Phuong Dung

  Views:

  135

  The aging rate of the Vietnamese population is one of the most elevated worldwide. Dementia is identified as one of the major disturbances to healthy aging and a leading cause of death in Vietnam. In spite of the importance of dementia research for policy making and healthcare development, there is a scarcity in study on epidemiological profile of dementia in Vietnam.

• Elderly care in Nigeria

  93-98

  Imole Omowunmi Bello

  Views:

  143

  This paper presents a review of works on care and support for the aged which is apt for current academic and public policy discourse in Nigeria. The major focus explicated in this review include the concept of care and support, overview of ageing, features and problems of ageing, nature and sources of care and support, the extent to which the elderly depend on their children/extended family, work and old age.

• Formal Carers’ Perspectives on Elder Abuse within a Maltese Care Home

  55-56

  Lindsay Zarb

  Views:

  144

  This research explores formal caregivers’ perspectives on elder abuse within a Maltese care home, addressing the challenges posed by an ageing population and the growing reliance on long-term care.

• A Review of the AGE Barometer 2023: EU Good Practices and Barriers in the Empowerment of Elderly in the Labour Market - The Case of Hungary

  15-24

  Climson L. Balangue

  Ágnes Bene

  Views:

  729

  The 2023 edition of the AGE Barometer was released by the Age Platform Europe, aimed at consolidating data from European statistics and national-level sources and enriched by feedback from 19 European countries, including Hungary. The publication aimed at empowering older people in the labour market and promoting sustainable and high-quality working lives for them. The Barometer revealed that the European Union (EU) is far from reaching its 78% employment target for adults aged 20 to 64 with its current state of just 62.3%. This could be due to various barriers to the integration of older people in the labour market, which include inadequate supportive policies, ageism, and unfavourable workplace conditions. Conversely, these are broadly stated in the context of the EU; hence, a deeper analysis of these results, with a special focus on the case of a single country, such as Hungary, is relevant to establish a clearer understanding of the national and local framework of these findings and in determining facilitating policies and programmes as well as gaps in promoting elderly inclusion in the labour sector. Using various methods such as critical analysis, desk and literature review, and thematic analysis, this article examined the Barometer report and other relevant publications. The Barometer 2023 effectively provided general issues and actionable areas in supporting older people in the labour market, combating ageism, and ensuring an age-friendly work environment in the EU landscape. Moreover, it revealed that Hungary performed better in employing older persons compared to the EU average, likely associated with a favourable environment for older workers through its legal protection systems, financial incentives, equal treatment policy, and initiatives such as pensioner cooperatives and information technology education. However, this still falls below the target, and based on the analysis and review of existing relevant publications, this could be associated with some unfavourable policies, gender disparities, a continuous rise in the ageing population, an increased number of migrant workers, technology challenges, ageism, political mayhems, cultural and traditional constraints, and other challenges that continue to threaten the marketability of older people, thereby resulting in consequences for their financial, physical, social, psychological, and environmental wellbeing. Moreover, the report also stated few good practices in promoting elderly employment in the county, contrary to numerous efforts implemented by both the Hungarian government, non-government organisations, and other institutions, which remained unrecognised, perhaps due to limited data availability and gaps in the reporting schemes. Finally, the Barometer 2023 report was realized to be included and used as a part of the technical working papers of the European Economic and Social Committee, being the EU advisory body that deals on the issues and opinions regarding this matter. The latest edition of the Barometer has the potential to spark positive changes among policymakers and decision-makers in acknowledging the economic potential of the elderly and in eliminating barriers that hinder elderly integration in the labour market. In the case of Hungary, substantial policies, programmes, and welfare services exist that facilitate elderly employment; however, challenges were also identified, hence the precise recommendations provided in the Barometer report must transform into reality, taking into consideration the unique national, local, and cultural peculiarities of Hungary and its local communities. It is also suggested that systematic data collection and good practice documentation must be facilitated in Hungary, and feedback from the other 18 countries in the Barometer report must be thoroughly reviewed or benchmarked for possible inspiration and replication. Lastly, the potentials of the Barometer 2023 to be used at all levels of decision-making must be maximized.

• Decade of Healthy Aging 2020-2030: international and local arctic context

  30-31

  Elena Golubeva

  Andrey Soloviev

  Views:

  189

  Healthy aging has become an important policy issue at all levels of the society. The key international document is the World Health Organization’s (WHO) plan for a Decade of Healthy Ageing 2020–2030 which is the 2nd action plan of the WHO ‘s Global strategy on aging and health [1]. The Plan consists of 10 years of concerted, catalytic, sustained collaboration to improve the lives of older people, their families, and their communities. Older people themselves are at the core of this plan, and it brings together a variety of actors: governments, civil society, international agencies, professionals, media, and the private sector. The Plan also notes that healthy aging is not only a healthcare issue but also needs to engage many other sectors.

• Insights into the lived experience of Long-Term Care and End of Life Transitions in Malta

  3-4

  Christian Borg Xuereb

  Views:

  235

  In this keynote presentation, I explore the profound implications of the global demographic shift towards an ageing population. I delve into the challenges and opportunities presented by this shift, using Malta as a unique case study with 25% of its citizens aged 60 and older. The dense population poses challenges for infrastructure, healthcare access, and the overall well-being of older individuals.