For the Public

Yes, there are several programmes and initiatives in Slovakia that help create conditions for healthy, active, and dignified ageing of older adults, for example:

• the National Programme for Active Ageing (NPAS), a government strategic document for the years 2021–2030 aimed at supporting the quality of life of older adults
• the “Slovakia Against Dementia” initiative (the Slovak Alzheimer’s Society and the Neuroimmunological Institute of the Slovak Academy of Sciences), which raises awareness about dementia and supports prevention
• various grant calls and support programmes, for example from organisations such as the Henkel Slovensko Foundation, the Pontis Foundation (Telekom Endowment Fund), or the Dr.Max Foundation

Yes. There are multiple Austrian initiatives that promote active, participatory ageing for older adults:

• Community Nursing (nationwide): Low-threshold, neighborhood-based support for older people at home, including practical help, psychosocial support, and strengthening health literacy; piloted 2021–2024 and now integrated into the long-term care fund for ongoing financing.
• Carinthia “Pflegenahversorgung” with Pflegekoordination and Community Nursing: Municipal-level coordination to help 75+ citizens and caregivers access health, care, and support services; includes volunteer engagement to promote activation and participation.
• Vienna’s Demenzstrategie and Platform “Demenzfreundliches Wien”: Coordinated, inclusive services (mobile care, day centers, specialized offers) and citywide partnerships to enable participation and demenzfreundliche living environments.
• Vorarlberg “Aktion Demenz”: A long-standing, community-based program with model municipalities offering trainings, events, counseling, and cultural participation formats (e.g., Demenzcafés, mobile arts/music) to foster social inclusion and active engagement.
• Salzburg: Expanded network of day centers and a home-based “Angehörigenentlastung” service to support staying active at home; specialized house-community models in care homes enhance everyday functioning and participation.
• Mobile ambulatory geriatric re-mobilization (Carinthia): Interdisciplinary, at-home program focusing on strength, balance, mobility, and psychosocial support to restore function and independence.
• Self-help and participation: Alzheimer Austria groups and the Dachverband Demenz Selbsthilfe Austria (DDSA) strengthen inclusion, mutual support, and advocacy for older adults and families.
• Cross-country developments: Expanded public sensitization and training, innovative living and care options, and better-integrated support networks to maintain independence and reduce caregiver burden.

Yes, there are also specialised centres in Slovakia dedicated to physical activities for older adults. One example is the Centre for Active Ageing at the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports of Comenius University in Bratislava, which offers various programmes aimed at supporting the health, mobility, and overall fitness of older adults.

Available activities include, for example:

• Aquafitness / aquapilates
• Balance training
• Exercise with a physiotherapist
• Cardio programme
• Strength training for older adults
• Easy Ageing programmes (BASIC, INNOVATIVE, SUPREME – comprehensive programmes at different intensity levels)

These programmes are designed to take into account the age, health status, and individual needs of older adults and to contribute to maintaining both physical and mental fitness.

Yes. There are several Austria-based options that emphasize physical activity for older adults:

• Vienna: Geriatric day centers that are specifically adapted for people with dementia and support daily activity and participation.
• Salzburg: A growing network of day centers across the state that help older adults stay active at home and in the community.
• Carinthia: A mobile, ambulatory geriatric re‑mobilization program delivering interdisciplinary strength, balance, and mobility training directly at home to restore function and independence.
• Salzburg (sports association): ASVÖ Salzburg runs “Be‑Geisterung,” inclusive movement and leisure programs that promote activity and participation.