Finland reports to the UN on the progress of ageing policy

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health has published a national report on the progress of Finland's ageing policy in 2022–2026. According to the report, Finland has been preparing for the ageing of the population for a long time, but the availability of services and labour and pressures on general government finances will present challenges in the coming years.

The follow-up report deals with the implementation of the UN's Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA) in Finland. The report is part of the international appraisal of the progress of policy measures related to the ageing of the population. The appraisal is carried out once every five years.

Age-friendliness has been promoted in Finnish society

In Finland, several policy sectors have been preparing for ageing for a long time. The health and social services reform is considered the most important achievement of the period covered by the report. 

Finland has also strengthened its proactive ageing policy, improved the opportunities of older persons to use digital services and developed age-friendly housing. In addition, the pension system has been reformed to extend working careers.

Finland also actively participates in international cooperation in the UN, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the European Union, among others. Finland's goals are largely in line with the goals of the UN's Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030). 

The UN is currently negotiating a new convention on the rights of older persons. The convention's aim is to strengthen the rights of older persons worldwide.

Availability of services and labour is a key challenge

The report also identifies challenges. The ageing of the population increases the need for services while the proportion of the working-age population decreases. Particular concerns include the availability of services for older persons, the availability of labour, regional differences in services and pressures on general government finances.