Society Aging Problems and their Solutions in Latvia, Lithuania and Poland

Abstract

The European Union data surveys give evidence of the growing trend of population ageing in the Member States. The aim of the study was to analyse the social structure of population in Latvia, Lithuania and Poland in comparison with the average population in the EU-27 and present recommendations for policy makers for further improvement of the social policy development in these countries. The authors used monographic method to study theoretical aspects of society aging and welfare and statistical data analysis of secondary data aggregated by Eurostat reports, Eurobarometer survey and databases of national institutions. The analysis of the society aging indicators in Latvia, Lithuania and Poland clearly shows that the policy makers of these countries so far have been mainly focusing on unpopular measures -either increasing taxes or raising the retirement age, which have caused citizens' dissatisfaction with the existing social policy that does not provide any hopes for the existing and becoming pensioners to approximate to successful aging. The authors consider that the national institutions responsible for society's welfare issues should further encourage socially innovative solutions by finding unusual ideas for obtaining multidimensional support, including the assistance provided by policy-makers and involving local agents to enhance inclusion of the aged population in the labour market, especially in creating jobs for themselves, being able to retain employment as temporary workers or being encouraged to work in other professions.

How Fast Is Europe Getting Old? Analysis of Dynamics Applying the Spatial Shift–Share Approach

“…Furthermore, the aging policy in Slovenia severely suffered from the effects of the economic crisis [49]. In order to comprehensively address those challenges, Slovenia's and Poland's governments have adopted the Active Aging Strategy, the long-term care system [50], as well as assessed the chances to reduce unemployment among people before retirement age and thus decrease government spending [51].…”