Database of good practices on ageing

Older persons and their caregivers.

A key reason for IRL's success has been its focus on working with local communities, including local leaders and health centers (Puskesmas). IRL focused not only on the older persons themselves but also on informal caregivers, who are often overlooked. Moreover, its training materials and a book on lessons learned made it easy to replicate the program nationwide. The 2021 guide book can be downloaded from the link in "Supporting documents" and it is also featured as its own good practice in this database under the title "Guidelines on establishing community-based older persons schools". The approach has led to rapid replication across Indonesia.

• https://ahwin.org/indonesia-elderly-friendly-community-program/
• https://ramahlansia.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/kode8.pdf
• https://dp3ap2kb.blitarkota.go.id/page/405/selantang

• https://dinsosp2kb.pekalongankota.go.id//upload/file/file_20230606110355.pdf

   

People who wish to remain in their lifelong home despite needing care due to aging, accidents, illness, or disability.

In the context of this ministry programme, many efforts were made. For example, various housing concepts have been implemented in many local regions across the country, such as shared housing in Busan and care-safe housing in Jeju. Support for renovating and repairing housing is also provided to improve living environments for seniors.

In November 2018, a road map was created to promote integrated community care. This was based on four pillars: housing, healthcare, long-term care and support, and service connection. The core principle of implementing this plan is that services are demand-driven, based on the needs of the individual rather than supply-driven. This involves creating an Individualised Service Plan for each person and providing services accordingly.

With a clear roadmap, the aim is to establish supportive, community-based living conditions for those in need of care. It sets the groundwork for ageing in place.

Evaluation of the integrated care policy pha-22-7.pdf

Senior citizens of Sangam Vihar in South Delhi

Over 1800 adults were covered by this police check in programme, and a follow up study 4 months later showed that over 50% of adults still had their contact card with police information on it.

Developed as a direct response to  concernsby older persons within the community. Implemented by local police.

This good practice took concerns that were voiced in the community and addressed it with a direct solution.

Older persons are direct beneficiaries

The council has more than 21,000 members, operating in 76 regional and city organisations, running events and meetings engaging older persons in civic and socio-cultural life, as well as promoting intergenerational learning and solidarity. Therefore, the result is increased participation of older persons .

The Council of Elders of Azerbaijan was established in 1989 as a public association, operating on principles of volunteerism and equality among members.  It is implemented through a nationwide organizational structure: the Council reports having more than 21,000 members and 76 regional and city organizations (including structures in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic), which enables activities to be carried out locally across the country.  Its work is delivered via organized meetings, round tables, and discussions involving older persons, youth, and other public representatives, and through cooperation/engagement with relevant institutions as described in official profiles.  

It is a good practice because it provides a structured mechanism for older persons’ civic participation—mobilizing large-scale membership through volunteer-based engagement and organized dialogue activities.  It is replicable (the model relies on a scalable network of local branches) and sustainable (volunteerism-based, embedded across regions with established membership and regular activities)

Older persons, youth and women

The programme is in its initial stage, with agreements signed with the winners of the grant program. Results can be measured at the end of year.

The initiative was developed internally and publicly announced to invite proposals under the broader theme of “Building Resilient and Inclusive Communities”.

This programme was designed to deliver in partnership with community based organizations, supports all age groups, promotes social cohesion, and empowers individuals to contribute meaningfully to society. By funding initiatives like youth skills development, women’s empowerment, and active aging, it creates lasting benefits for community well-being and gives agency and ownership to communities.

The service benefits approximately 450,000 seniors in 2020—up from 350,000 in 2019—targeting vulnerable individuals aged 65 or older.

The programme enables tailored combinations of safety checks, daily-living support, and social engagement, matching individual needs. Increased “self‑care awareness” among users correlates strongly with higher life satisfaction. Additionally, reduced depression and better subjective health further boost life satisfaction.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare consolidated six fragmented elderly-care services into a unified, needs-based model. Local agencies conduct needs assessments and jointly plan personalized services, delivered via home visits, phone, community programs, or ICT-enabled check-ins.

This model transitions from one-size-fits-all to person-centered care by integrating multiple services and addressing varied needs through tailored delivery, improving satisfaction, autonomy, and well-being.

• https://www.kci.go.kr/kciportal/ci/sereArticleSearch/ciSereArtiView.kci?sereArticleSearchBean.artiId=ART003005056

Older Muslim men and women in Malaysia

The initiative has enabled many older persons to engage in lifelong learning, strengthen their religious understanding, and maintain an active and purposeful lifestyle. It has created a community of seniors who are knowledgeable in Islamic teachings and capable of sharing their knowledge with others, thereby fostering social and spiritual well-being.

The programme originated from religious donation (waqf) of a 1.7-acre property, including two bungalows and orchard land, by Tuan Haji Ir Mohd Mazlan bin Md Ismail in 2010. MAIWP developed the concept and officially launched the center in 2011, later renaming it Darul Ilmi. Recruitment is conducted annually through announcements on social media, mosques, and the MAIWP website. The center provides accommodation and modern facilities to support the Islamic pondok learning approach.

Darul Ilmi promotes lifelong learning and spiritual enrichment for older persons, addressing their intellectual and social needs. It combines traditional Islamic education with modern facilities, ensuring accessibility and comfort for seniors. The initiative reflects sustainability through waqf-based funding and serves as a model for integrating religious education into senior living.

People who are terminally ill

The Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan drafted and approved the standard via ministerial decree. It updated clinical guidelines and organisational rules in national healthcare institutions. Implementation occurs through cooperation with regional health departments and medical facilities. 

Decree of the Minister of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On the Approval of the Standard for the Organization of Palliative Medical Care" | Ageing Policies Database - UNECE

Older persons and persons with disabilities who require third‑party or long‑term care.

Regional reports indicate expanded access to services: for instance, as of mid‑2025, approximately 21,892 recipients received social‑household services and 5,728 received socio‑medical services under long‑term care frameworks.

The decree approved a standardized (model) long‑term care system, providing a template for regions to adapt. It was rolled out in selected federal subjects in 2021, encouraging regional adoption of both social‑household and social‑medical services for targeted groups.

It offers a standardized, scalable model enabling regions to adapt long-term care systems effectively, ensuring consistent and inclusive support for vulnerable populations across diverse areas.

• https://www.xn----dtbalwjkbgdbcb4ah5e.xn--p1ai/sistema-dolgovremennogo-ukhoda-sdu/737-prikaz-mintruda-rossii-ot-29-09-2020-n-667-o-realizatsii-v-otdelnykh-sub-ektakh-rossijskoj-federatsii-v-2021-godu-tipovoj-modeli-sistemy-dolgovremennogo-ukhoda-za-grazhdanami-pozhilogo-vozrasta-i-invalidami-nuzhdayushchimisya-v-postoronnem-ukhode

all Lao citizens aged 60 and above, particularly emphasizing their right to care, well‑being, and participation, with a clear intent to include vulnerable seniors.

While the Decree itself is a legal framework (not an implemented programme), it establishes binding measures to safeguard older persons’ rights—such as guaranteed access to healthcare, priority in public services, social protection, inclusion in Older Persons’ Associations, as well as mandates for state, society, and family care responsibilities.

The Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare led the development through legal revision efforts from 2019–2021, aligning with international aging frameworks like MIPAA and the Kuala Lumpur Declaration. The final Decree was institutionally embedded via formal issuance, with designated responsibilities across national, provincial, and local authorities for enforcement and oversight.

It is a rights-based, legally anchored approach that mainstreams elder care within governance structures. By clarifying responsibilities at all levels and affirming fundamental rights, it lays a robust foundation for systematic, inclusive support of ageing populations.

• https://data.opendevelopmentmekong.net/library_record/vbhgj