A new platform wants to make knowledge on ageing policy accessible and expand it. The ‘Forum Ageing Policy’ also wants to provide an impulse for the further development of ageing policy in all parts of the country and promote mutual exchange.

The knowledge platform forum ageing policy, launched by Gerontologie CH, Pro Senectute Switzerland and Curaviva, Artiset's industry association, aims to provide an impetus for the further development of ageing policy in Switzerland and to promote mutual exchange. Experts as well as laymen should be able to inform themselves about the status and current trends to further develop the ageing policy with joint efforts. According to the sponsors, the platform fills an important gap.

What does the age policy encompass?

The term ageing policy is very comprehensive. As explained on the platform, it mainly refers to government measures (content, processes, and structures) at the federal, cantonal and municipal levels that influence the living situation of the elderly population. In a narrower sense, ageing policy consists of securing financial old-age provisions and financing health care. In a broader sense, ageing policy touches on various topics and policy areas such as spatial planning, housing and mobility, adult protection law, nursing and care, and can therefore be understood as a comprehensive cross-sectional task.

What shapes Swiss aging policy?

Ageing policy in Switzerland takes place at all political levels and is strongly influenced by federalism and the principle of subsidiarity. This means that the federal government leaves competencies to the cantons and municipalities in all those areas in which they can fulfill the tasks themselves. Accordingly, ageing policy is mainly defined by the cantons, although they can also delegate tasks to the municipalities. Last but not least, numerous non-governmental organizations support older people.

Nonprofit organizations also participate

Numerous private and non-profit organizations are active in ageing policy. Organizations active throughout Switzerland such as Gerontologie CH, Pro Senectute Switzerland and Artiset/Curaviva are age policy players in the sense that they provide expertise and instruments at the federal level and in the cantons and municipalities, perform coordination tasks and directly support older people with services and offers.

Anna Jörger, Managing Director a.i. of Curviva, praises the joint effort: «With this platform, we are creating comprehensive transparency on the cantonal contexts that influence the scope of action for services for people in old age.» Alexander Widmer, member of the executive board of Pro Senectute Switzerland, confirms: «We are convinced that the Forum on Ageing Policy will be a valuable resource for further developments in ageing policy.» And Simon Stocker, Head of Gerontology CH's Ageing Policy Unit adds: «Our forum is only at the beginning, but the platform will continue to develop as more and more knowledge is gathered and new and common ideas emerge through the exchange of organizations.»