Slovakia

Abstract

Although ageing is a universal process that concerns most countries, so far there are great differences particularly in relation to post-socialist countries. In Slovakia, population ageing appears to be irreversible in the coming decades at least up to 2050. Therefore, society must prepare to function under changed conditions and adapt to the increasing number and proportion of older people. The ageing of the population brings serious economic, social and political consequences. In addition, the effects of ageing cannot be eliminated or mitigated by isolated measures in a short period of time. They require comprehensive solutions made over time. For this reason, social, employment, health and education reforms are essential. The purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of such measures in Slovakia. The chapter starts with an introduction which gives a brief socio-demographic context and the rest of the chapter provide a concise overview of pensions, of the employment of older people, of precarious work and of health policies as well as the underlying particular characteristics and challenges in Slovakia.