President Nikos Christodoulides has revealed a series of initiatives to improve elderly care in Cyprus, including a national strategy for active aging, prompt payment of pensions, an overhaul of the pension system, specialized public transport services for the elderly, and a strengthened social protection network. These measures aim to enhance the welfare and quality of life for the elderly population in Cyprus, ensuring they receive the support and services they need.
What are President Christodoulides’ initiatives for improving elderly care in Cyprus?
President Nikos Christodoulides has unveiled initiatives to enhance elderly care in Cyprus, including:
- Developing a national strategy for active aging inspired by European models.
- Implementing short-term measures such as prompt payment of pensions.
- Overhauling the pension system and providing a subsidy plan for long-term care.
- Introducing specialized public transport services for the elderly.
- Strengthening the social protection network with improved health and care services.
National Strategy for Active Aging
During a significant gathering at the Presidential Palace, President Nikos Christodoulides articulated his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of the elderly in Cyprus. This conference, a collaborative effort between the Third Age Observatory and the President’s office, set the stage for a candid discussion about active, healthy, and dignified aging.
Christodoulides admitted that despite making strides in recent years, the support system for the elderly in Cyprus is still not up to par with the country’s aspirations. Drawing inspiration from European models, particularly the Netherlands, he proposed that the island nation has considerable work to do in bolstering its elderly care.
Short-Term Measures and Long-Term Visions
The President has made it clear that the national action plan for the elderly is being formulated with the intent to foster sustainable practices. These practices aim to enhance social integration, healthy aging, and the provision of quality support and health services.
In the interim, before the full strategy rolls out, Christodoulides revealed that several short-term measures are being implemented. One of the first initiatives ensures the prompt payment of allowances and benefits, including state pensions, within 30 days of retirement, a standard that will soon extend to early retirees.
Pension System Overhaul and Long-term Care Support
Looking ahead to 2024, the government plans to undertake a comprehensive reform of the pension system. A roadmap is currently in place to manage ongoing discussions, complete necessary studies, and foster a dialogue with social partners. These reforms are anticipated to fortify the financial foundation for those receiving lower incomes.
On another front, the President spoke of a specialized subsidy plan for long-term care. This initiative is intended to help cover a portion of nursing home fees for individuals who require such care but are unable to shoulder the costs. Furthermore, the health ministry is set to intensify the scrutiny of nursing home operations, ensuring they meet the requisite standards.
Specialized Services and Social Integration
The administration is also exploring the deployment of a special public transport service tailored to the needs of the elderly. This service will undergo a pilot phase under the supervision of the Transport Ministry, with the potential for a broader application across the island.
Christodoulides emphasized the government’s dedication to crafting a robust social protection network. This network is envisioned to uphold the fundamental right of every individual to live with dignity, buttressed by enhanced care services, better medical care, and preventive measures.
Addressing the Demographic Shift
Demos Antoniou, Chairman of the Third Age Observatory, highlighted a demographic projection that could see up to 30 percent of Cyprus’ population classified as elderly in the near future. This shift presents both challenges and unique opportunities, particularly in harnessing the ‘silver economy’ and ‘silver tourism.’ The potential for these sectors to contribute to the economy is significant, offering the prospect of creating new jobs across various industries.
In summary, the initiatives outlined by President Christodoulides signal a comprehensive approach to enhancing elderly care in Cyprus. With an emphasis on strategic planning, immediate relief measures, and long-term system reforms, the nation is poised to better serve its aging population, ensuring they live with the dignity and respect they deserve.
1. What are President Christodoulides’ initiatives for improving elderly care in Cyprus?
President Nikos Christodoulides has unveiled initiatives to enhance elderly care in Cyprus, including:
- Developing a national strategy for active aging inspired by European models.
- Implementing short-term measures such as prompt payment of pensions.
- Overhauling the pension system and providing a subsidy plan for long-term care.
- Introducing specialized public transport services for the elderly.
- Strengthening the social protection network with improved health and care services.
2. What is the national strategy for active aging in Cyprus?
The national strategy for active aging in Cyprus aims to improve the welfare and quality of life for the elderly population. It draws inspiration from European models, particularly the Netherlands, and focuses on social integration, healthy aging, and the provision of quality support and health services.
3. What short-term measures are being implemented for the elderly in Cyprus?
In the short term, President Christodoulides has initiated measures to provide immediate relief for the elderly in Cyprus. One of the key measures is ensuring the prompt payment of allowances and benefits, including state pensions, within 30 days of retirement. This standard will soon extend to early retirees as well.
4. How will the pension system be overhauled in Cyprus?
The government of Cyprus plans to undertake a comprehensive reform of the pension system by 2024. A roadmap is currently in place to manage ongoing discussions, complete necessary studies, and foster a dialogue with social partners. The reforms aim to strengthen the financial foundation for those receiving lower incomes. Additionally, a specialized subsidy plan for long-term care will be introduced to help cover a portion of nursing home fees for individuals who require such care but are unable to afford it. The health ministry will also intensify the scrutiny of nursing home operations to ensure they meet the necessary standards.
