The results of the European Commission's call for proposals to support the development of comprehensive active ageing strategies in EU countries have now been published. The winning projects were submitted by public authorities in Latvia, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Italy, the UK and Ireland. You can find an overview of the awarded grants here.
In July 2013, the European Commission published a call for proposals to support the development of comprehensive active ageing strategies in EU countries. The aim of this call was to provide financial support to Member States which want to engage in the development and implementation of comprehensive strategies for active ageing. Applicants had to develop strategies that would address existing challenges and improve the conditions for active ageing in the country. Therefore, special attention had to be paid to the involvement of different levels of government and stakeholders. Member States were also encouraged to use international cooperation for mutual learning and the Active Ageing Index to identify areas of improvement and to monitor the process.
Projects in Latvia, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Italy, the UK and Ireland awarded
In Latvia, the project proposal submitted by the Ministry of Welfare foresees a study that will focus on recommendations to improve active ageing, follow-up activities comprising of seminars, study visits and conferences. These will be conducted with the help of international organisations and Ministries from other countries.
Slovenia will analyse the existing challenges in the area of active and healthy ageing and then identify models, practices and regulatory solutions to address those challenges. The results of the analysis will shape a set of measures and reforms in the field of employment, active and healthy ageing, assisted independent living and long-term care.
Regional characteristics and the involvement of local authorities, civil society and businesses will be a clear focus in Bulgaria's work towards a strategy for active ageing. For the implementation of the draft strategy, training seminars will enhance the capacity of local stakeholders to take concrete actions.
In Italy, three regions (Apulia, Marche and Veneto) will design and implement new integrated strategies to promote active ageing. They want to develop guidelines that improve policy coordination amongst public and private stakeholders that look at three areas – employment, participation in society and independent living.
The UK project aims to reduce early retirement which is caused notably by health-related issues. It will frame evidence-based recommendations on extension of working lives, the development of age-friendly workplaces and health promotion.
Ireland will work on the four national goals set out by the Government as part of its National strategy ’Positive Ageing Strategy Positive Ageing Starts Now’: employment through the development of an age-friendly workplace, participation in society and independent living through the Age friendly Cities and Countries programme and a review the effectiveness of assisted living technologies and social interventions.
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