Health promotion policies for elderly—Some comparisons across Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Poland

Abstract

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to compare health promotion policies (HPP) for older adults in four European countries: Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Poland. We focus on the design, regulations and implementation of policies in these countries. MethodAs policy relevant information is mostly available in national languages we have approached experts in each country. They filled in a specially designed questionnaire on the design, regulation and implementation of health promotion policies. To analyze the data collected via questionnaires, we use framework analyses. For each subject we define several themes. ResultsRegarding regulations, Poland and Italy have a top-down regulation system for health promotion policy. Germany and Netherlands have a mixed system of regulation. Regarding the scope of the policy, in all four countries both health promotion and prevention are included. Activities include promotion of a healthy life style and social inclusion measures. In Poland and Italy the implementation plans for policy measures are not clearly defined. Clear implementation plans and budgeting are available in Germany and the Netherlands ConclusionsIn all four countries there is no document that exclusively addresses health promotion policies for older adults. We also found that HPP for older adults appears to be gradually disappearing from the national agenda in all four countries.