Good practices repository

Knowledge - Repository - Good Practices

Database of good practices on ageing

Database

This database showcases good practices from countries and territories in Asia and the Pacific for implementing the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA). Select and filter by categories and sub-categories, country, type of instrument.

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Total: 392 good practice(s). Download

Manual for Integrated Community‑Based Screening for Elderly People in Bhutan
What was implemented?

The manual provides a standardized framework for annual, community‑based screening of older people, aiming to promote healthy ageing, early detection of health problems, and continuity of care for Bhutan’s growing older population. It is designed for use by health workers at the community and primary care level, ensuring that older persons—especially those living in rural and remote areas—can access preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative services close to home.
Who were the beneficiaries?

Older persons who need care
How was it developed and implemented?

The manual was formulated through a technical, programme‑led process led by the Ministry of Health. 
What makes it a ‘good practice’?

This manual explains how Bhutan’s health system screens older people in their communities, what conditions to look for, how to respond early, and how to connect health and social care—so that older citizens can age with health, dignity, and support in their own communities.
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Who implemented it?
Government
Implementing/responsible entity:
Ministry of Health
Categories:
Enabling and supportive environments (Ageing in place/housing); Health and well-being (Age-inclusive health care, Long-term care)
Country:
Bhutan
Type of instrument:
Training or guidebook
Year of implementation:
2025
Matched retirement scheme
What was implemented?

The Matched Retirement Savings Scheme (MRSS), implemented by the Central Provident Fund (CPF), aims to help senior Sinaporean citizens with lower retirement savings. The scheme boosts monthly payments for retired Singaporeans, with the government mathcing ever dollar of cast top-ups made to the retirement accounts of elgible members up to $6000 per year.
Who were the beneficiaries?

Singapore Citizens aged 55 and above who have RA balances below the Basic Retirement Sum and meet income and housing eligibility criteria—specifically, those earning no more than S$4,000 monthly, living in residences with annual values not exceeding S$21,000, and owning no more than one property.
What were the results?

The government provides a dollar-for-dollar matching grant on cash top-ups, initially up to S$600 per year, capped at a S$20,000 lifetime limit—a move that boosts retirement savings and monthly payouts. From 2025, the annual cap is being raised to S$2,000, and the age cap is removed.
How was it developed and implemented?

Implemented via CPF Board systems, MRSS eligibility is automatically assessed each year, and the matching grant is credited to the retiree’s RA early the following year. Top-ups can be made by oneself, family members, or employers—facilitating accessible and inclusive savings.
What makes it a ‘good practice’?

MRSS is a targeted, inclusive retirement savings boost—delivering matched contributions directly into seniors’ accounts. It combines simplicity, automation, and enhanced financial security, ensuring older citizens can grow their retirement funds cost-effectively.
Supporting documents:

 
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Who implemented it?
Government
Implementing/responsible entity:
Central Provident Fund (CPF), Singapore
Categories:
Work, the labour force, poverty and social protection (Social protection/income security)
Country:
Singapore
Type of instrument:
Programme
Year of implementation:
2021
Mature Age Hub
What was implemented?

Mature Age Hub provides resources for older Australians and mature age workers (45 years and over) who wish to contribute to the workforce as employers or workers and also offers services and support to businesses employing mature age workers and for mature age workers looking to find a job or upskill. The Hub also provides research on mature age employment.
Who were the beneficiaries?

Older workers and business owners in Australia
How was it developed and implemented?

The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, in partnership with Workforce Australia, developed the Hub as part of various national strategies to address skills shortages and reduce ageism in the workforce. the Hub is a dedicated website with sections for employers, jobseekers, and research on mixed-age workplaces. The platform produces educational modules such as Busting Myths, Is my workplace age inclusive?, and Building age inclusive workplaces.
What makes it a ‘good practice’?

The Hub encourages businesses to employ and retain older workers as key contributors. It also connects older workers with jobs. To support these efforts, it includes relevant research on the benefits of mixed-age workplaces.
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Who implemented it?
Government
Implementing/responsible entity:
Government of Australia, Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR)
Categories:
Work, the labour force, poverty and social protection (Employment and re-employment)
Country:
Australia
Type of instrument:
Service
Year of implementation:
2023
Meeting of Generations Project: Strengthening Intergenerational Solidarity Between Children and Older Persons
What was implemented?

The "Meeting of Generations" Project was established to strengthen intergenerational solidarity, promote the joint participation of children, young people and older persons in social life, and support experience-based learning across generations. The programme organizes activities that bring together nursing home residents and children under protection and care in structured intergenerational settings. The initiative is embedded within the broader policy framework on ageing of Türkiye, including the 2020-2030 Ageing Vision Document, which promotes communication and solidarity between generations and encourages the transmission of knowledge and experience from older persons to younger generations. 
Who were the beneficiaries?
  • Older persons residing in nursing homes and care facilities.
  • Children under protection and care.
  • Young people participating in intergenerational activities.
  • Communities benefiting from strengthened social cohesion and intergenerational understanding
What were the results?

The project enhanced opportunities for communication and interaction between generations and supported the participation of older persons in social life. Its continuation was incorporated into the 2020-2030 Ageing Vision Document. At of the end of 2019:

  • 847 activities had been organized.
  • 13,514 children participated.

  • 13,011 adults/older persons participated

    (Source:  TR_MIPAAsurvey_2021.pdf, question 3.1.5.)
How was it developed and implemented?

The project was initiated by the Ministry of Family and Social Services in 2017 as part of efforts to strengthen intergenerational solidarity in Turkey. Activities were designed to bring together children and older persons through shared social and learning experiences. The initiative aligns with objectives contained in the Ageing Vision Document and national development plans, which identify strengthening intergenerational solidarity as a key policy priority. 
What makes it a ‘good practice’?

The project promotes social inclusion, mutual learning and exchange of experiences between generations
Supporting documents:

https://www.population-trends-asiapacific.org/sites/default/files/documents/TR_MIPAAsurvey_2021.pdf
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Who implemented it?
Government, Others
Implementing/responsible entity:
Ministry of Family and Social Services, with participation of nursing homes, child protection and care institutions, and other stakeholders
Categories:
Older persons and development (Intergenerational initiatives)
Country:
Türkiye
Type of instrument:
Programme
Year of implementation:
2017
Memory Home
What was implemented?

Memory Home is a community-based space where social workers provide various care programs. Instead of an isolated nursing home for people with dementia, older people can commute and participate in activities that prevent dementia and improve cognitive abilities. These activities include social gatherings, games, arts and music sessions, and physical exercises. In addition to that, medical professionals visit the facility regularly to perform medical checks. Inspired by Japanese practices, one programme implemented here is the Memory Café, where older adults take on responsibilities by working in the café.
Who were the beneficiaries?

Older persons with dementia
What were the results?

As of 2022, Jinmei Care had established 21 Memory Homes throughout Shanghai, providing activities for over 100,000 older adults.
How was it developed and implemented?

As of 2024, nearly one in three people living in Shanghai are over 65 years old. However, there have not been many facilities where older adults could access support. The NGO Jinmei Care for the Elderly developed this initiative in collaboration with local government entities. Funding comes from the local government, social foundations, donations from the private sector, and revenue generated by the Memory Café.
What makes it a ‘good practice’?

The programme fosters an inclusive community for older people with dementia. By promoting the integration of various programs into the daily lives of the elderly, it demonstrates a comprehensive approach toward an inclusive society.
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Who implemented it?
Non-government institution
Implementing/responsible entity:
Categories:
Enabling and supportive environments (Age-friendly communities)
Country:
China
Type of instrument:
Service
Year of implementation:
2021
Mongolian Association of Seniors
What was implemented?

The Mongolian Elders Association (also known as MAEP/MAS) works to protect the rights and improve the wellbeing of older people in Mongolia by advocating for better health care, social security, and living conditions while promoting their active participation in social, economic, political, and cultural life. It provides direct services such as home visits, nursing, day care, recreation, and training, and partners with government and NGOs to monitor elder‑related laws and policies. The association also supports economic engagement for capable seniors, offers guidance to families, and contributes to national initiatives such as digital‑skills training for the elderly and community‑based volunteer programs that deliver health checks and counselling. Through collaborations with ministries, UN agencies, and local health centers, it strengthens integrated elder care systems and helps advance Mongolia’s shift toward healthy and active ageing.
Who were the beneficiaries?

Older persons in Mongolia
What were the results?

By continuously advocating for better access to health and social services, the association helped shape national priorities around elder welfare, including expanding healthcare programs and strengthening social security benefits.
How was it developed and implemented?

The Mongolian Association of Seniors was set up in 1988 as part of a government‑supported initiative to expand efforts to protect the interests of Mongolia’s older population—those aged 60 and above who were receiving old‑age pensions. The purpose was to ensure their rights, improve their living conditions, support their health and nursing needs, and involve them more fully in social, political, economic, and cultural life.
Supporting documents:

Discussion on Comprehensive Assistance and Services for the Elderly
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Who implemented it?
Implementing/responsible entity:
Categories:
Older persons and development (Older persons’ associations, Participation of older persons)
Country:
Mongolia
Type of instrument:
Service
Year of implementation:
1988
Multi-pillar long-term care policy
What was implemented?

Türkiye’s LTC policy, as reflected in the Information Guide for Older Persons – IV (2023), is a mixed, multi‑pillar system combining family‑based care, home‑based services, community‑based supports, and institutional long‑term care. The overarching principle is to enable older persons to live with dignity in their preferred environment, prioritizing care at home whenever possible. The primary goal is for older persons to remain in their own homes and communities, with support as needed. Only when this is not feasible does the system rely on institutional care. A core pillar of Türkiye’s LTC policy is the home‑care allowance provided under Law 2828 to support dependent older persons living with family. There are also day care and active living centers. 
Who were the beneficiaries?

Older women and men in Türkiye requiring long-term care
How was it developed and implemented?

Türkiye’s long‑term care (LTC) policy was developed through a gradual, legally grounded process that began with the adoption of Law No. 2828 – Social Services Law in 1983, which established the purpose, scope, institutional structure, and definitions necessary to organize care for older adults, persons with disabilities, and others in need. This law created the foundation for a nationwide system by defining key LTC populations (such as older persons in need and severely disabled persons), regulating social service institutions (including care homes and rehabilitation centers), and assigning responsibility to public and private providers. Over time, Türkiye expanded LTC through regulations and programs authorized under Law 2828—such as home‑based care, community day‑care and active living centers, and mixed public‑private residential care—integrating these services into the broader social protection system.
What makes it a ‘good practice’?

The policy reflects a comprehensive, rights‑based, multi‑level system that supports older persons through home‑based, community‑based, and institutional care, with the primary aim of supporting "ageing in place". It further offers a comprehensive range of services across the full long-term care continuum. 
Supporting documents:

Mevzuat Bilgi Sistemi - Law 2828 (original text)
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Who implemented it?
Government
Implementing/responsible entity:
The policy is overseen by the Ministry of Family and Social Services. Key stakeholders who are involved in the implementation of the policy include local municipalities, healthcare providers, social service organizations, and non-governmental organization
Categories:
Enabling and supportive environments (Ageing in place/housing); Health and well-being (Long-term care)
Country:
Türkiye
Type of instrument:
Policy
Year of implementation:
1983
Multigenerational rehabilitation home
What was implemented?

The Rehabilitation Home in Saitama, Japan is a large complex designed for multigenerational interaction. People of all ages come together there. It offers daycare services for seniors and children with disabilities, as well as nursery schools. Spending time together benefits people of all ages, and the exchange of knowledge between the facilities benefits them all.
Who were the beneficiaries?

Older residents and persons with disabilities
What were the results?

It has been reported that older persons who were previously unemotional began smiling after spending time with children at these facilities. The positive emotional impact of intergenerational interactions is also scientifically proven.
How was it developed and implemented?

The facilities are designed to be integrated into the community and part of everyday life, rather than isolated elderly care facilities. Having facilities for nursery school, childcare, and elderly care all together allows the elderly to actively participate in childcare responsibilities. Furthermore, social activities such as Active Kitchens and social gatherings are also held.
What makes it a ‘good practice’?

The organization promotes intergenerational connections that benefit people of all ages while addressing the medical needs and social challenges of individuals with health issues.
Supporting documents:

http://ahwin.org/rehab-home-ippo
 
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Who implemented it?
Non-government institution
Implementing/responsible entity:
Rehab Home Ippo Group
Categories:
Enabling and supportive environments (Disability and age friendly environment); Older persons and development (Intergenerational initiatives)
Country:
Japan
Type of instrument:
Service
Year of implementation:
2011
MYAGEING Dashboard, 2023
What was implemented?

This portal was developed to consolidate data on ageing population  in Malaysia. 
Who were the beneficiaries?

Data users and policy makers
What were the results?

Data users are provided with an interactive data visualisation tool that provides information related to population statistics, ageing and life expectancy.
How was it developed and implemented?

The MyAgeing Dashboard integrates various primary data sources published by the department, including current population estimates, census data, vital statistics and life expectancy reports. It also includes administrative data from various ministries, departments and government agencies, including healthcare and social services data for older persons.
What makes it a ‘good practice’?

The dashboard integrates various primary data sources and features articles and the latest news on ageing issues, from both domestic and international sources.
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Who implemented it?
Government, Academic
Implementing/responsible entity:
Department of Statistics, Malaysia (DOSM)
Categories:
Data and research (Research paper/study)
Country:
Malaysia
Type of instrument:
Data
Year of implementation:
2023
MyRapid Concession Card for older persons
What was implemented?

Concession Card is a stored value personalised smartcard for dedicated group to use for travel on RapidKL buses, LRT, Monorail, MRT and MRT feeder buses.
What were the results?

Taking public transport is now more affordable for older persons as they are able to benefit from transportation discounts with MyRapid.
What makes it a ‘good practice’?

It makes transportation more affordable and thus facilitates the participation of older persons in economy and society. 
Supporting documents:

Discount and Facilities for Senior Citizens
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Who implemented it?
Government
Implementing/responsible entity:
Prasarana Malaysia Berhad.
Categories:
Enabling and supportive environments (Age-friendly communities)
Country:
Malaysia
Type of instrument:
Financial scheme
Year of implementation:
2011

Suggested citation: ESCAP, Database of Good Practices on Population Ageing, available at: https://www.population-trends-asiapacific.org/repositories/good-practices

 

About

Policies are based on: Submissions from ESCAP members and associate members including for the Fourth Asia-Pacific Review and Appraisal of MIPAA, and research by ESCAP staff, supported by AI tools, including using related databases.

Note: These good practices represent a selection of approaches to implementing MIPAA in Asia and the Pacific. There is no claim to completeness.

Categories & Design

Categories and sub-categories align with:

o Priority directions in the 2002 Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing
o Outcome document of the Asia-Pacific Intergovernmental Meeting on the Fourth Review and Appraisal of MIPAA (2022)

Acknowledgements

This database is brought to you by the collective efforts of the Social Development Division of ESCAP, focal points on ageing from ESCAP member States who submitted good practices as well as many collaborators who have compiled, drafted and edited content for this website as well as the technical team that has developed the database and ensures its functionalities. We also acknowledge the efforts made by ECE and their contributors to compiled a related database.

Related resources

You may also find the following databases and resources useful:

AARP Toolkit of Actions on Ageing

ECE Ageing Policies Database

UN Decade of Healthy Ageing Knowledge Platform

WHO Global Platform of age-friendly practices

Disclaimer

ESCAP bears no responsibility for the availability or functioning of external URLs. The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country. Mention of firm names and commercial products does not imply the endorsement of the United Nations.

Suggested citation: Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). Database of good practices on ageing. Online.