This summary report is the culmination of a comprehensive project to address the unique challenges faced by Lithuania’s older population in social, political, and labour market engagement. The action was funded by the European Union via the Technical Support Instrument, and implemented by the OECD, in co‑operation with the Directorate‑General for Structural Reform Support of the European Commission. It aligns with the OECD’s commitment to creating inclusive societies that enable all citizens to participate fully, regardless of age.
In collaboration with the Lithuanian Ministry of Social Security and Labour, local institutions, and the European Commission’s Directorate‑General for Structural Reform Support, the project “Comprehensive Review of Policies to Facilitate Active Ageing in Lithuania” (21LT07) sought to provide a holistic understanding of the key challenges older Lithuanians face as well as recommendations to promote active ageing in Lithuania.
Several outputs were produced, including a detailed assessment of the situation of Lithuania’s older population compared to their European counterparts and other OECD countries. This in-depth assessment highlighted crucial areas where improvements can be made through policy interventions. Subsequent stages of the project focused on showcasing good practices from other EU countries, a study visit, providing recommendations for reforms, and crafting a comprehensive roadmap for implementation. Finally, a pilot programme was proposed to improve the human capital and employability of older citizens.
The objective of this final report is to provide practical, evidence‑based guidance to policy makers in Lithuania to improve the inclusion of older people in all spheres of life. The report builds on the responses of the Ministry of Social Security and Labour, the Association of Local Authorities, and the municipalities of Kaunas, Panevėžys and Švenčionys to the OECD Policy Questionnaire on Active Ageing provided between September and November 2021. The information collected via the questionnaire is complemented by insights from a series of fact-finding meetings and workshops with representatives from ministries, municipalities, NGOs, civil society organisations and academics undertaken between September 2021 and June 2023.