Database of good practices on ageing

Socially vulnerable older persons in Tajikistan, including those living alone, with disabilities, or affected by crises.

The programme supports 2,000 vulnerable seniors, strengthening community inclusion, enhancing well-being, and advancing gerontology services through training and curriculum integration at TSMU.

It was developed through civil society initiative, where 21–35 organizations from Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan collaborated to form AgeNet International. Implementation involved: Establishment of the Central Asia Gerontology Centre in Tajikistan as a key regional node for gerontology services, methodological development, and coordination HelpAge International.

This initiative, led by civil society across Central Asia, fosters regional collaboration and peer learning, driven by NGOs and gerontological actors rather than solely government mandates. It integrates humanitarian aid, resocialisation programmes, and gerontology development to address older persons’ well-being.

Older persons suffering from loneliness

The initial trial period of 9000 units has shown promising results including decrease in depression levels and better medication adherence. In the addition to the empirical evidence-base necessary for further project development, the integration of the robot-dolls also offers a better foundation for understanding robot-human relationship in the health-care context. 

Hyodol AI built the companion doll around Large Language Model technology, integrating conversational AI with practical caregiving features like medication reminders, health coaching, and safety sensors, paired with a companion app for caregiver monitoring. Rather than launching nationwide immediately, the rollout followed a phased, evidence-based approach: the company first tested the doll with a group of over 9,000 users to gather empirical data on outcomes like depression levels and medication adherence. Local governments then began adopting the technology through pilot programs. Cheongsong County ran a trial phase targeting its large older population before committing to scale up services. Based on positive trial results, local governments in the Republic of Korea moved to expand deployment, with plans to distribute approximately 7,000 units to seniors and dementia patients. 

It's a good practice because it pairs emotional/social support with practical health monitoring in a single, evidence-tested tool, trials with over 9,000 users showed measurable improvements in depression levels and medication adherence, giving it a credible evidence base. It's also replicable and scalable, as shown by local governments moving from a pilot phase to a broader rollout of roughly 7,000 units, offering a model other regions facing similar demographic pressures could adapt. Its sustainability is supported by government backing and integration into existing care systems through caregiver apps and monitoring platforms, embedding it as an ongoing part of elder care rather than a one-off intervention.

The Robotic Multi-Care Network: A Field Study of a “Robot Grandchild” in South Korea

The main beneficiaries are policymakers and other stakeholders who benefit from primary data on the health of older persons as well as from an assessment of existing policies and how they support the changing health needs of older persons.

The report’s evidence-based assessment marked the first targeted evaluation of health system readiness for ageing populations in the Pacific, helping the Ministry of Health and NCOP pinpoint critical policy, program, and service gaps.

The report was prepared by The George Institute for Global Health in partnership with Fiji’s Ministry of Health and Medical Services and supported by WHO. It combined quantitative analysis (demographic trends, health system data) and qualitative research (interviews and consultations with stakeholders, including health professionals, policymakers, and community representatives). It involved multi-sector consultations with government agencies, the National Council of Older Persons (NCOP), NGOs, and development partners.

It collects primary data on the status of health of older persons, therefore informing evidence-based policymaking.

Workers across all age groups—especially older workers—who may otherwise face age-based discrimination in hiring, promotion, or termination. It ensures fairness in employment processes for older individuals.

According to legal summaries, the Act prohibits discrimination in employment on account of age, ensuring that age—without being job‑related or consistent with business necessity—cannot be used against applicants or employees. This helps safeguard older and younger workers alike from discriminatory practices, promoting equal opportunities in hiring and retention.

The law was developed as part of broader anti‑discrimination legislation in the Philippines, responding to gaps in existing labor protections. It was enacted by Congress in 2016 and integrated into the national legal framework, with employers required to align hiring and employment policies to the new standards.

It fosters inclusive workplaces by legally prohibiting unfair age-based discrimination in employment, thereby upholding both equity and labor rights across age groups.

• https://social.un.org/ageing-working-group/documents/ninth/Inputs%20Member%20States/Philippines_normative_OEWG8.pdf
• https://leglobal.law/countries/philippines/employment-law/employment-law-overview-philippines-2/04-anti-discrimination-laws-2/

Older persons, particularly those at risk of neglect or abuse. 

The number of senior mistreatment reports rose 35.4 percent, from 4,622 cases in 2017 to 6,774 cases in 2021. A key challenge is uncovering more elder abuse cases that tend to go unnoticed due to their elusive nature. A 2020 survey found that roughly 650,000 people, or 7.3 percent of the entire older population, reported having experienced mistreatment at least once or more in their later lives. 

The Navisaegim app was developed and launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically in response to visitation restrictions at care homes and hospitals that left abuse cases going unnoticed. It was built to require no membership and guarantee anonymity, lowering barriers to reporting.
Further legal reinforcement came through amendments to the Welfare of the Aged Act, effective this July, making it punishable by law for abusers to refuse or disrupt rehabilitation programs. The government also expanded mandatory reporter categories and strengthened recidivism prevention programmes.

This is a good practice because it combines accessible, low-barrier technology with legal accountability to address a problem that is often hidden. Navisaegim's anonymous, membership-free reporting method removes the fear and complexity that typically prevent people from coming forward, while its ability to attach photos, videos, and audio makes reports more actionable. It is replicable in that it pairs a simple mobile app with an existing statutory framework and physical support network (37 local agencies and 19 shelters), rather than requiring entirely new infrastructure. It shows sustainability through legal reinforcement, amendments making rehabilitation refusal punishable by law, expanded mandatory reporting requirements, and embedding the practice into ongoing policy rather than a one-off campaign.

[K-Wellness] Urgent action needed to prevent elder abuse - The Korea Herald

Policymakers benefit from data and information on the situation of older persons. 

The research report led to discussion how the recommendations can be implemented and may trigger the development of a policy on ageing. 

The report was developed through a combination of desk study as well as extensive field work of 3.5 months across multiple islands. The researchers visited residential facilities of older persons as well as older persons living in their homes with their families as well as individuals. 

The Assises de la Vieillesse (Aupuru Matahiapo) represents a participatory and evidence-based approach to ageing policy development. Building on findings from a parliamentary inquiry, it convened government agencies, health and social service providers, local authorities, civil society organizations and community stakeholders to jointly identify priorities and practical solutions for ageing and loss of autonomy.

Assises de la Vieillesse 2025 – Aupuru Matahiapo : Les enjeux sociaux et sanitaires en Polynésie française - Assemblée de la Polynésie française

Policymakers and policy advocates and practitioners who benefit from reliable data and information on the situation of older persons.

Findings contributed to the development of Kazakhstans active ageing index and policy recommendations for improving support systems for older adults. It also updated a 2008 survey, enabling comparative trend analysis over time.

The study used a mixed-methods approach, practicing quantitative (in-depth interviews with experts from ministries, NGOs, and relevant agencies) and qualitative (individual standardized survey) research methods, covering all regions of the country.

This practice represents a strong evidence base for policy-making on ageing in Kazakhstan, highlighting its relevance as a good practice. It also had a directly measurable and long-term link to the ageing indices and 2008 baseline studies. This historic timeline ensures the longevity of the studies through future comparative frameworks. Finally, its use of a robust mixed-methods design increases its reliability as a survey and its strength as an evidence base for policy-making on ageing. 

https://ageing-policies.unece.org/browse-policy/3010

All older Australians, particularly those at risk of abuse in community settings. Beneficiaries also included governments, institutions, and service providers collaborating to protect seniors’ rights.

The plan united federal, state, and territory governments to respond to elder abuse, supported a national prevalence study, funded innovative service models, and promoted awareness campaigns. For instance, more than two-thirds of respondents reported seeing elder abuse awareness messages through advocacy groups, media, or social platforms.

It was jointly developed by all governments, guided by the Australian Law Reform Commission’s 2017 recommendations, and implemented through cross-government collaboration, research, awareness campaigns, and service funding. Evaluation was conducted by the Australian Institute of Family Studies.

It exemplifies effective cross-government collaboration, evidence-based policymaking, and community engagement, ensuring a national, coordinated response to elder abuse.

• https://www.ag.gov.au/rights-and-protections/publications/national-plan-respond-abuse-older-australians-elder-abuse-2019-2023
• https://www.themandarin.com.au/250662-stopping-elder-abuse-deemed-success-for-australian-governments

All Australians affected by age discrimination, especially older workers and people with disability, who faced barriers in employment, training, and promotion.

The program supported thousands of older and disabled workers by promoting inclusive recruitment, training managers, and developing workplace resources, reducing age-related job loss and fostering diversity.

Through a national inquiry (2015–2016) with 1,100 consultations and 342 submissions, involving employers, community groups, and government. Outcomes included training modules, resource kits, and cross-sector partnerships for nationwide adoption.

It is evidence-based, consultative, and replicable—combining legal reform, training, and partnerships to deliver measurable inclusion and fairness in employment.

• https://humanrights.gov.au/sites/default/files/document/publication/WTW_2016_Resource_WEB%20FINAL.pdf

Those who need care, particularly older persons people living alone

As of 2024, it had more than 30,000 users nationwide. Furthermore, cases of the early detection of health issues through this AI-based service have also been reported.

The AI call service was initially launched by NAVER, a  web provider in the Republic of Korea, during the pandemic to check for symptoms. In late 2021, a pilot project was conducted to test a CareCall service targeting older persons living alone. Since 2022, the service has officially been launched and implemented in various regions.

The call service, which is based on AI, enables customized conversations for the purpose of checking the well-being of elderly people, as well as the implementation of care support. It showcases the use of innovative technology in care sectors.

CLOVA CareCall 개요