This month's CARDI "Focus on" article examines government approaches to ageing issues. It assesses strategies and policies on ageing as well as the structures put in place to implement those strategies.

Key findings

• The US was the first country to have a specific strategy on older people ageing, introduced in 1965 with the Older Americans Act.

• The Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing was the first international agreement that recognised the potential of older people to contribute to the development of their societies. It is due to be reviewed in 2012.

• The US introduced a commissioner to champion the rights of older people in 1965. Wales has since appointed a commissioner, and Northern Ireland is due to in 2011.

• Two out of the 34 OECD member countries have dedicated senior ministers to support policy decisions on older people’s issues.

• Strategies on ageing need to be designed to balance the specific support required today of older people but harness the contribution of older people, through supporting older workers, carers and volunteers now and in the future.

Focus on ageing strategies