Health Promotion of Ageing Employees at Workplaces in the Czech Republic Alena Steflova M.D. 1, Prof. Miroslav Cikrt, M.D. 2, Jarmila Vavrinova M.D. 3, Anezka Sixtova M.D. 4 ( 1 WHO Liaison Office, 2,3 National Institute of Public Health, 4 Ministry of Health)

Number of inhabitants aged 15-65, 2003 ČSÚ forecast

Number of inhabitants aged 65+, 2003 ČSÚ forecast

Age structure of Czech population (Rabušic, 2002): men women

Situation in the Employment Market in the Czech Republic in 2004 : 39,2 % of the total workforce was employed in industry, 4,3% in agriculture and 56,5% in services in 2005 : the employment rate of elderly employees (55-64 years) was 44,1% gradually raising the retirement age limit by 2 months a year for men and by 4 months for women aim: to achieve unification of the age limit for men and women

National Policy - programs: National Action Plan for Employment (Program New Start, ESF – Third Career) National Program for the Preparation for Ageing (Projects for Healthy Ageing ) Health 21 – The Long term Program for Improving the Health Status of the Population in the Czech Republic

National Action Plan for Employment Support of the foundation and development of small and medium-sized enterprises, development of business and business services. Better utilization of manpower, creation of new job opportunities and development of human resources in industry to improve competitiveness. Overcoming inequalities and thus promoting equality between the sexes, among the unemployed population (caused by both social exclusion and age structure), promotion of all employment trends, and the enhancement of qualification levels for human potential. Developing access to lifelong learning

National Program for Preparation for Ageing Support and protection of equal rights and opportunities  elimination of age discrimination, support of opportunities for individual development, strengthening independence and ensuring the availability of care and services for senior citizens  change in attitudes towards ageing and senior citizens, social inclusion of older people and seniors, ensuring full participation of seniors in political, economic and social life  lifelong education, prevention of labour market exclusion and increase in the employment of elderly employees, raise in labour mobility and strengthening individual responsibility for one’s own preparation for ageing and old age

Long-term Program for the improvement of the Health Status of the Population in CR – Health for All in the 21st Century Target 5: HEALTHY AGEING By the year 2020, people over the age of 65 should have the opportunity of enjoying their full health potential and playing an active social role. Specific target 5.1: There should be an increase of at least 20 % in life expectancy and in disability-free life expectancy at the age of 65. This should be achieved step by step according to partial targets and instruments formulated in Health 21. Target 13: SETTINGS FOR HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT By the year 2015, people should have greater opportunities to live in healthy social and economic environments at home, at school, at the workplace and in local communities. Specific target 13.6: Ensures that at least 10 % of medium and large-sized companies commit themselves to healthy company/enterprise principles in accordance with EU recommendations.

Competition for the Title of „Health Promoting Organization of the Year 2005 “

Conclusion: National programs on health promotion of older people do exist in the Czech Republic They are not focussed specifically on workplace health promotion of older people They can be used for creation of necessary measures in the workplace Their implementation into practice is still rare