Needs and priorities to improve health and well-being of the ageing population in Latvia: findings from the AgeFLAG project

The project “Roadmap to improve the health and well-being of the ageing population in the Baltic Sea Region (AgeFLAG)” seeks to identify the most important issues in relation to active and healthy ageing that countries in the region are facing. The aim of the study was to bring together the most relevant national stakeholders to identify the top five national needs that should be addressed to improve active and healthy ageing in Latvia. In Latvia, the study was implemented in the form of an expert survey which was organized in a four steps- presentation of the most recent national data, mapping of all possible needs, prioritization of needs and identification of top five needs in the country. Representatives from various organizations were approached as experts to participate in the survey, based on publicly available information about the organization’s activities or based on RSU’s previous cooperation experience in implementing various projects related to active and healthy ageing. In total 26 experts completed the survey. The top five needs priorities named in Latvia were- 1) provision and availability of health and social care, 2) financial and social security, 3) sense of security and independence, 4) health promotion and 5) physical and social activities. In addition, needs such as respectful treatment of seniors and digital skills were mentioned. Results from the expert survey in Latvia will be synthesized with the similar data from other countries in the Baltic Sea region in order to support healthy and active ageing policy recommendations for state and public institutions of the countries in the region.