Ageing Policy Development and Elder Abuse Prevention in Norway and Slovakia

Author : Miroslava Tokovska,Andrea Seberini, Vanessa Nolasco Ferreira

Abstract :Ageing policy development and elder abuse prevention remains a critical public health and social justice priority, requiring robust policy frameworks and coordinated institutional responses to protect vulnerable older populations. This comparative-reflexive study examines existing legislative frameworks and public policies for protecting older adults from abuse in Slovakia and Norway. While Norway has implemented a comprehensive "SafeEst" model mandating interdisciplinary coordination between healthcare, social services and law enforcement, Slovakia's approach primarily operates through the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family. The study finds key differences in institutional roles and their interconnections. Norway's framework emphasizes systematic prevention through municipal-level adult protection systems, while Slovakia's framework focuses more on criminal justice responses with limited institutional coordination. Three critical areas for potential policy development in Slovakia are identified: 1) Improving coordination between healthcare providers, social services, and law enforcement through establishment of transparent communication protocols; 2) Making existing support services more accessible by establishing integrated service points, particularly in rural areas; and 3) Developing targeted educational programs to address both digital and f inancial literacy among elderly populations while raising awareness about available support services.

Keywords :Elder abuse, legislation, policy framework, elder protection, SafeEst model, institutional coordination, comparative analysis

Conference Name :International Conference on Aging, Gerontology & Geriatric Nursing (ICAGGN-25)

Conference Place Limassol, Cyprus

Conference Date 4th Mar 2025