Cyprus Mail 28 February 2025 - by Vasiliki Hadjigavriel
The state will prioritise the wellbeing of the elderly, Deputy Welfare Minister Marilena Evangelou said on Friday.
The Council of Ministers has approved the first National Strategy for Active Ageing for 2025-2030, along with the Action Plan for Active Ageing for 2025-2027.
The strategy outlines a broad framework for elderly welfare, introducing a series of initiatives under three key pillars.
One of the major new actions is the subsidy scheme for accommodation and care in elderly homes. “This scheme increases the grant for beneficiaries from €745 to €1,300, with 75 percent of elderly homes across Cyprus already participating,” Evangelou said.
The payment of the new allowances will be rolled out in two phases, starting next month.
Additionally, the national strategy includes the Home Support Programme for the Elderly, aimed at reducing loneliness and fostering intergenerational interaction. “This programme will be implemented with the valuable cooperation of academic institutions and the voluntary participation of students,” Evangelou explained.
Meanwhile, the ‘Red Button’ alert service is expected to become operational within the year through the State Aid Plan for Social Welfare Services.
“As part of this framework, we will also introduce initiatives to strengthen the participation of older people in decision-making bodies,” she added.
The strategy will further focus on enhancing social integration by promoting skill development through lifelong learning and digital literacy initiatives.
