The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health incorporates Finland's national ageing policy in its strategy, implementing it with the help of legislation, quality guidelines, programmes and projects.
The aim of the ageing policy is to further older people's
- Functional capacity
- Independent living
- Active involvement in society
Older people are motivated to be responsible for their health and for preserving their functional capacity, such as through exercise, promoting healthy nutrition, rehabilitation and using other social and health services when needed.
Barrier-free and independent living
Older people must be able to live in safety in their own homes and in familiar residential environments for as long as possible. The possibilities for this are improved by removing barriers in the home and residential environment using assistive devices and new technology.
Service accommodation and institutional care arranged by social care departments are offered to people who cannot manage using home care and informal care.
Having homes and residential environments that are barrier-free, functional and safe supports the independence of older people and prevents accidents.
Strategic aims
The ageing policy is carried out by municipalities, which arrange the social and health services that older people require.
To develop the services offered by municipalities the following have been created under direction of the ministry.
- Quality guidelines for services for older people
- The national development programme for social and health care
- Development lines for health-enhanging exercise and nutrition
