Database of good practices on ageing

Over 24 journalists from national print and digital media in Kazakhstan, representatives from the Ministry of Information and Social Development, and NGOs working on older persons’ welfare.

The initiative enhanced journalists’ capacity to portray older persons positively and from a rights-based perspective. Participants reported gaining valuable insights into changing global attitudes on ageing and recognized media’s role as a driver of social change.

Organized by UNFPA with funding from the CISPop programme, it was delivered as a two-day webinar facilitated by an ageing policy expert. Training covered media portrayals of older people, findings from a 2020 survey on socio-economic needs, and principles of active and healthy ageing applied in Kazakhstan.

It combines data and media capacity-building, enabling journalists to challenge ageist stereotypes and foster inclusive narratives on ageing.

All employees in Singapore, particularly caregivers, women workers, and older employees—enabling them to formally request flexible work arrangements to balance caregiving and work responsibilities.

The guidelines formalise flexible work as standard practice: employers must put in place a clear process for formal FWA requests, provide written decisions with stated reasons, and assess each request on legitimate business considerations—while discouraging rejections based on mere supervisor preference or distrust—thereby improving transparency, fairness and workplace trust.

Developed through a Tripartite Workgroup (involving government, employers, and unions), the guidelines were crafted via stakeholder consultations, aiming to embed formal mechanisms supportive of flexible work. They were rolled out as mandatory employer practices addressing procedural clarity and decision transparency.

It institutionalizes flexible work as a norm, embedding fair, transparent procedures and two-way accountability, while empowering employees—especially caregivers—to remain in the workforce through performance-based flexibility.

• https://www.seyfarth.com/news-insights/flexible-working-in-singapore-implementation-of-the-tripartite-guidelines-on-flexible-work-arrangement-requests-and-what-this-means-for-employers-and-employees.html

The plan specifically targeted older persons, particularly those with physical, mental, social, or economic vulnerabilities, aiming to improve access to tailored healthcare and promote active, dignified aging.

The programme supported comprehensive geriatric assessment and long-term care planning, which helped improve functional status and quality of life, while reducing mortality and nursing home placements.

It was developed by Turkey’s Ministry of Health, alongside its Public Health Institution and Department of Chronic Diseases, Elderly Health and Disabled People, in collaboration with universities, NGOs and international frameworks (WHO Europe’s 2012–2020 strategy and UN Decade of Healthy Ageing). Oversight was by the Health Ministry Undersecretary.

It’s a good practice due to its integrated, evidence-based, multi-stakeholder approach—aligning international frameworks with national implementation, improving functional outcomes, and reducing institutionalization in older adults.

Government agencies who are provided with clear action plants. Older persons are the eventual beneficiaries. 

The plan was created through a multistage, evidence‑based, multisectoral process guided by national demographic trends, international frameworks, and contributions from multiple institutions. It was initially developed by the Ministry of health and aligned with international frameworks on ageing. 

This policy can be seen as a good practice through its comprehensive, life-course and evidence based approach to healthy ageing. It integrates prevention, healthcare service delivery, gender sensitivity and intersectoral collaboration within a single national framework. Its emphasis on monitoring and evaluation, community engagement and sustainability aligns with international healthy ageing standards.

https://ageing-policies.unece.org/browse-policy/2292

Older adults with reduced mobility or who require daily support.

Strong integration of technology speeds up responses to care needs and personalized care services. It contributes to the well-being of older adults while reducing the burden on caregivers.

The company builds partnerships with healthcare providers and care institutions across multiple sites to develop care solutions that support older persons and caregivers. 

It shows how technology can effectively create supportive environments for older adults and their caregivers. The solution promotes healthy aging principles by providing an interactive care experience.

Direct beneficiaries will be policymakers and civil society designing intergenerational programmes and programmes on older persons, including programmes on digital literacy of older persons. 

The survey generated primary data on intergenerational relationships in metropolitan areas of India, which can be used for evidence-based policy-making. 

The study used using a mixed-methods approach—surveying 5,798 individuals and hosting eight focus group discussions. The study was conducted across ten Indian cities — Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Kanpur, Nagpur, and Madurai — representing a mix of metro and non-Metro cities across regions.

The study collected primary data and promotes evidence-based policymaking. It is also linked to a campaign to address abuse of older persons. Thus, research results are used to raise awareness and trigger change. 

Older persons in Malaysia requiring transportation to healthcare services

The initiative improved access to healthcare services for older persons, reduced the financial burden of transportation, and promoted social inclusion by enabling seniors to attend medical appointments. It also strengthened community support through collaboration with voluntary welfare organisations. Currently, nine vehicles are deployed across several states in Peninsular Malaysia, with seniors booking services through local centres.

The programme originated as a government initiative to address mobility challenges among older persons. It was planned in partnership with older persons Activity Centres, Welfare Homes, and Voluntary Welfare Organisations.

UPWE removes a major barrier to healthcare access for older persons, offers cost-free services, and uses a community-based approach that promotes sustainability. It is replicable and scalable, and it directly improves health outcomes and quality of life for seniors.

Unit Penyayang Warga Emas (UPWE) - Pelan Transformasi Ekonomi Bumiputera 2035

Nepal’s SSA covers older persons (60+ for Dalits/Karnali, 70+ for others), single women 60+ and widows any age, persons with disabilities, endangered ethnic groups, and children under five from poor households.

Nepal’s Social Security Allowance shows sustained commitment, with NPR 109 billion allocated for FY 2025/26 and continued protection for existing old-age beneficiaries.

Government-financed cash transfers administered by the Department of Civil Registration (DOCR) (formerly under the Ministry of Federal Affairs & Local Development), with local offices enrolling beneficiaries and payments historically made in cash several times a year; the government planned/has been moving toward MIS digitisation and bank-based payments. Policy milestones include the 2008 reform (age thresholds, new categories) and subsequent budget-driven adjustments.

Nepal’s Social Security Allowance features a universal, lifecycle design with simple eligibility criteria that reach multiple vulnerable groups at scale. The scheme is domestically financed and institutionalised through the Department of Civil Registration (DOCR), with continuous policy adjustments to benefit levels, age thresholds, and digital administration, reflecting strong state ownership and adaptability. Evidence from prior studies highlights its positive social impact, including improved ability to meet basic needs and enhanced well-being among older recipients, reinforced by recent budget commitments that support both adequacy and long-term sustainability.

• https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/govt-allocates-rs-109-billion-for-social-security-allowances-12-39.html?utm_source

All citizens of Tonga aged 75 years or over

Tonga’s social pension was developed as part of the government’s effort to introduce its first formal social benefit for elderly citizens. It was influenced by subregional policy trends to address the lack of social protection of the informal sector. 

Universal social pensions are generally a good practice because they provide a predictable income source for older persons, particularly those who do not have access to contributory pensions. 

Old age pensions in the Pacific: benefits for women - Devpolicy Blog from the Development Policy Centre

Primary beneficiaries were older persons in Turkey, along with persons with disabilities, their families, and communities engaged in intergenerational solidarity.

The programme reached thousands of older persons, promoting active ageing, reducing poverty risk, and expanding social inclusion through local care models and learning initiatives. For example, YADES supported municipalities in home/day care, directly improving well-being for vulnerable seniors (UN DESA, 2019 Voluntary National Review).

Turkey’s Ministry of Family and Social Services, through the General Directorate for Persons with Disabilities and the Elderly, developed the 2020–2030 Aging Vision Document to guide policies on active ageing, care services, rights, and age-friendly environments. The framework was co-created with universities, NGOs, and local governments. Implementation included establishing 3rd Age Universities, expanding lifelong learning programs, enhancing home/day care via the YADES program, and integrating ageing into the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Coordination ensured evidence-based strategies supported healthy, dignified, and inclusive ageing.

It is evidence-based, rights-focused, and participatory, fostering intergenerational solidarity and embedding ageing within national and global development agendas.

• https://unece.org/sites/default/files/2021-10/mipaa20-report-turkey.pdf
• https://www.aile.tr/eyhgm-en/haberler/our-minister-derya-yanik-we-will-support-6-more-projects-by-expanding-the-scope-of-the-elderly-support-program-yades/