Our policy results aim to provide a comprehensive synthesis of the insights from all theproject’s work research streams, to offer a coherent framework to connect quantitative resultswith actionable policy options as well as to provide a hands-on reform action plan backed bysolid empirical evidence for policy makers. 

Specifically:

• Bridging the gap between research, modelling results and policy by providing actionable policy recommendations, which can be sufficiently generalized and scaled at EU level and beyond
• Filling the gap between quantitative results and the delivery of effective policy solutions
• Connecting the three Policy Pillars’ interfaces of the thematic framework and analysing their trade-offs and interdependencies in policy making (new and existing).

We provide two types of policy results: 

• the „Policy Brief“ summarizes the projects set up, methodology and policy-relevant scientific results
• Policy recommendations are derived the Policy Dialogues following our “Policy Feedback Loop Approach” once the scientific results are stable and reliable.

At this point of the project, we can only formulate very preliminary and fairly general policy recommendations as follows:

1. Recognise LTC as a priority. Governments should increase public spending on LTC and make LTC a central policy priority linked to broader goals, including gender equality and economic growth.
2. Expand funding mechanisms. Governments can introduce new means of financing, such as mandatory LTC insurance and pre-funding mechanisms. Most importantly, benefits should target those with the greatest needs, to promote equity and adequacy.
3. Support the workforce more. The LTC sector should be made more attractive by raising wages, improving working conditions and expanding training programmes to attract and retain workers.
4. Develop prevention strategies. EU funds could be directed to research into treatments targeting age-related diseases such as dementia. National governments could invest in public health campaigns and preventive care to reduce future demand.
5. Use the newest technologies. EU countries should invest in robotics and assistive technologies to improve productivity and to reduce physical strain on caregivers

Policy Brief

This policy brief is the first issue of a “living document” that will document the policy-relevant results of the research project “The Care Wave And The Future Of The Baby Boomers And Their Children” (BB-Future), a European research effort to understand the size of the care wave and its ramifications for the economy and social security systems.  

This first issue will present the policy challenges that gave rise to this project, summarize its objectives and sketch how we will achieve them. Further issues of this policy brief will be added as results from the project arrive. 

Download pdf here