Abandonment by young people, the government accepts the consequences and approves the National Action Plan 2025-2030

2025-06-12 15:13:00, Aktualitet CNA

Abandonment by young people, the government accepts the consequences and

The rapid emigration of the population over the years, especially among young people, has affected the demographic structure of Albania, significantly increasing the number of the elderly population.

The phenomenon is also recognized by state institutions, where, with the support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), they have taken the initiative to prepare the "National Action Plan for the Third Age, for the period 2025–2030" that addresses youth emigration as a driving factor towards population aging and the increase in the number of elderly people living alone or in difficult social conditions.

"The rapid departure of the country, especially by young people, in addition to significantly changing the demographic structure, has also caused an increase in the number of elderly people living alone or in poverty, which, in interaction with various barriers (such as specific health conditions or poor infrastructure), hinders full and effective participation in society," the document states.

Through this document "On the approval of the political document on aging and the action plan 2025–2030", published in the Official Gazette, the government not only recognizes the reality of youth emigration and accepts its long-term consequences for social protection systems and the economy, but is also expected to act with concrete measures including the integration and improvement of the conditions of the elderly.

"So far, policies for the protection of the rights of older persons, despite achievements, have not been able to address the most critical needs of the elderly with priority. However, the pronounced demographic changes and the difficult economic conditions for the elderly, beneficiaries of urban, rural or social pensions, have led the government to give greater importance to the development of policies dedicated to this age group. This action plan is based on principles such as: equal rights, social integration, improving healthcare, guaranteeing access to social services and institutional support", the document emphasizes, among other things.

The document also, referring to the latest 2023 Census data, highlights the issue of population aging and measures to address the phenomenon.

Between the 1989 and 2023 censuses, the percentage of people aged 65+ increased from about 5.3% to 19.7%. The 2023 census data shows that one in five individuals (19.7 percent) are 65 years of age or older, compared with one in nine individuals (11.3 percent) in the 2011 census and 7.5 percent in the 2001 census.

"Predictions show that this will reach 26.4% by 2050."

This trend has important implications for social protection, healthcare and economic support systems, as well as affecting the possibilities of promoting inclusive and sustainable development.

The dependency ratio for the elderly has increased, from 16.4% in 2011 to 24.4% in 2023. In 2023, the dependency ratio of the elderly exceeded that of the young.

"Issues related to creating a protective environment for individuals in need have gradually been included in the list of priorities of the Albanian government over the last decade," the document emphasizes, among other things./ Monitor Magazine