SOCIAL SECURITY OF THE ELDERLY: INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE

Abstract

The article reveals the features of social security for the elderly in Ukraine, as well as offers an analysis of international experience on this issue. The urgency of the research topic is due to a number of political, socio-cultural, integration and economic factors caused by the gradual entry of Ukraine into the European community. The problem of aging has become increasingly important in recent years, as global aging is occurring, which is most progressive in underdeveloped countries. It has been determined that in the vast majority of countries, the elderly are considered to be retired people. The World Health Organization refers to the elderly as people aged 60-75. Ukrainian law also stipulates that old age coincides with retirement. In the United States, the concept of «retirement age» is absent. From the age of 62, citizens have the opportunity to submit documents and, gradually, receive benefits: pensions, medical services, social assistance. There is a state-run Medicare public health program for the elderly. Residents of the United States want to work as long as possible and be active (play sports, travel). Canada is also active in increasing longevity: the government plans to increase the number of longevity to 81,000 by 2061. Europe has different retirement periods: France – 62 years, Germany – 67 years, Poland – 60 (women) and 65 (men). Almost all highly developed European countries provide decent social security and highly qualified medical care. According to statistics, the world’s longest lives are in Japan and Morocco, in Europe – France, Iceland, Italy. In Ukraine, the population is aging quite rapidly and, thus, is at the bottom of the European rankings. Older people also include veterans of labor, as they have a work experience of 40 years or more. Ukrainian legislation provides a number of benefits for the elderly and labor veterans. Today, the Ukrainian government is trying to ensure and simplify the lives of the elderly as much as possible. Recently, the President of Ukraine announced the provision of all vaccinated elderly people with modern smartphones. A new Barrier-free service is also expected to be launched in March to facilitate access to a range of services for the elderly and people with disabilities.