Cyprus Unveils First National Strategy for Active Ageing to Promote Health, Autonomy, Social Inclusion
In mid‑September 2025, Cyprus launched its first national strategy for active ageing (2025–2030), a comprehensive framework designed to support health, wellbeing, and social inclusion of older adults across the island. The strategy includes a detailed action plan for 2025–2027, supported by multiple ministries, particularly health, social welfare, and local government.
At the heart of the initiative is a shift in emphasis: ageing is not viewed merely as a medical challenge, but as a multidimensional process combining physical, mental, social, and community factors. The new approach aims to help older people live with autonomy, dignity, participation, and good quality of life.
Key policy directions include:
Preventive health and chronic disease management. Strengthening primary care systems, early screening programs, and integrated management of multiple chronic conditions to reduce hospitalizations and complications.
Physical activity and mobility support. Developing tailored programmes in balance, strength training, mobility exercises, and fall prevention, supervised by physiotherapists. Local community centres are expected to host classes adapted to older participants.
Mental health, cognitive resilience, and social inclusion. Activities promoting cognitive stimulation, social engagement, intergenerational programs, volunteerism, and digital literacy to reduce isolation and loneliness.
Age‑friendly environments. Modifying public and private infrastructure , sidewalks, parks, transport , to be accessible. Encouraging municipalities to create safe, inclusive public spaces to support active mobility.
Integrated care and support services. Better coordination among doctors, nurses, social workers, rehabilitation services, and caregivers. Emphasis is placed on home-based services and community outreach.
Lifelong learning and engagement. Encouraging participation in continuing education, culture, and civic activities for older adults, enhancing social role and purpose.
Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare and the Department of Health jointly oversee the initiative. The “Healthy Ageing – Prevention” pillar falls within the health ministry’s jurisdiction. Officials emphasize the importance of multidisciplinary cooperation across sectors , healthcare, transport, housing, local government, community organizations.
The strategy comes at an important time: Cyprus, like many European nations, faces demographic aging, rising health care costs, and increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and multimorbidity. The government recognizes that medical interventions alone are insufficient; sustaining autonomy and prevention requires broader social support.
In public addresses, health officials have highlighted that older age should not be equated with decline. Rather, older citizens can remain contributors to society if given supportive environments and opportunities. By shifting the narrative toward “active ageing”, the policy aims to reframe expectations, attitudes, and investment priorities.
Challenges lie ahead: sufficient budget allocation, training of healthcare and social staff, linking scattered services, and measuring outcomes. Some rural or remote communities may find implementation more difficult. Ensuring equity across rich and less advantaged regions, and sustaining long‑term political commitment through successive administrations, will be tested in the coming years.
Still, the launch of this national strategy marks a turning point in Cyprus’ approach to ageing. If successfully implemented, it may not only improve the well‑being of older people but relieve pressure on hospitals, reduce costly dependency, and foster stronger intergenerational ties.
This is one of the most progressive and human-centered policies Cyprus has launched in years. As demographic aging intensifies, older adults risk isolation and neglect. By shifting from reactive care to proactive engagement, the state acknowledges that ageing populations aren’t burdens , they’re contributors, if empowered. But implementation will be key: rural inclusion, trained staff, and budget follow-through are critical. Cyprus has a real chance to become a regional model for healthy ageing , if it turns this strategy into sustained practice, not just policy on paper