Background
Demographic changes are transforming societies across Europe and globally. Life expectancy has steadily increased while birth rates have declined, resulting in aging populations in many countries. This shift presents major long-term challenges for governments in planning and delivering essential public services such as healthcare, social security, labourer market support, and housing. It also impacts economic growth, intergenerational equity, and the sustainability of pension systems.
The preparedness of states to address these demographic transformations is now a matter of increasing urgency. A coordinated and strategic response is needed to ensure that public institutions are capable of managing the social, financial, and infrastructural implications of an aging society. This includes adapting services to meet the needs of older citizens while maintaining financial and institutional sustainability.
In light of the significance and relevance of these issues to many SAIs in the EUROSAI community, this project seeks to conduct a parallel audit examining the extent to which governments are prepared for the challenges posed by aging populations.
Objectives
The audit aims to examine governmental preparedness for the challenges and opportunities posed by an aging population. It will assess the existence of comprehensive national strategies and budgetary frameworks that respond to demographic shifts and long-term aging trends. The audit will also examine the readiness of healthcare systems to meet the increasing demand for elderly care, with an emphasis on community-based services that promote aging in place. Another area of focus will be the welfare systems and their ability to ensure well-being and quality of life after retirement, particularly in terms of access to services, social inclusion, and independence. In addition, the audit will explore the sustainability and adaptability of pension systems, considering their financial viability, fairness, and capacity to support aging populations over time.
ToR EUROSAI Project Group for “Parallel Audit on State Preparedness for Population Aging” true