Universal social protection for healthy ageing

Abstract

 Social protection policies can support addressing some of the social determinants of poor health throughout the life cycle that influence the loss of functional abilities and intrinsic capacities in old age. Therefore universal social protection systems play an important part in fostering healthy ageing.  Universal social protection guarantees that people have effective access to health care without hardship and income security throughout the life cycle. This approach is needed in order to comprehensively address some of the social determinants of health in old age.  Gender-transformative social protection is needed. While women live longer than men, they are also less likely to have income security in old age, which in turn affects their ability to stay healthy longer. Similarly, women are disproportionately represented among the people forgoing care owing to financial barriers. These eventually impact on women's ability to stay healthy as they age.  Effective access to health care without hardship across a wide range of services comprising health promotion, prevention, rehabilitation and early detection throughout the life cycle makes a crucial contribution to fostering healthy ageing and addressing the determinants of poor health in old age through a life cycle approach.  Income security through a range of cash benefits can also contribute to supporting healthy ageing and shaping its determinants along the life cycle. Having income security guaranteed during maternity, sickness, recovery and rehabilitation (including after occupational injuries) is a crucial element in making individuals more resilient and restoring and preserving their health throughout their lives.  Coordination between social protection and employment policies to ensure a smooth transition into retirement can make an