”Why the Next Decade Will Define How We Age” — Demos Antoniou
Demos Antoniou, Executive Chairman of the Cyprus Third Age Observatory and member of the National Committee on the Health of Older People, speaks with The Silver Times about ageing as a human rights issue, the rise of the silver economy, and the policy choices shaping longer lives in Cyprus and across Europe. Drawing on advocacy, policy, and institutional experience, he reflects on ageism, digital inclusion, intergenerational solidarity, and the urgent need for systemic long-term care reform.
Through his leadership at the Cyprus Third Age Observatory, Antoniou has been actively engaged in advancing a rights-based approach to ageing, promoting the participation of older people in public life, and contributing to national and European conversations on active and healthy ageing. His work focuses on strengthening social inclusion, encouraging institutional accountability, and positioning ageing not as a burden, but as a societal opportunity.
Ageing has increasingly been discussed in recent years not only as a social issue, but as a broader policy priority. From your perspective, what are the most important changes in how ageing is being approached today?
For decades, ageing was primarily viewed as a problem to be managed, a burden on healthcare and pension systems, often referred to as the ‘’Silver Tsunami’’. Today, this narrative is actively being challenged and replaced by a perspective that sees older people as active rights-holders and contributors to the economy.
Human rights approach
The most significant shift, driven by the UN and WHO, is the change from a charity or medical model to a human rights-based approach. Previously, older individuals were viewed as vulnerable recipients of care who required protection. The new approach recognizes older people as rights holders who should be empowered to make their own decisions. The UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030) emphasizes the importance of engaging in activities one values. The initiative highlights that dignity, having a voice, and meaningful participation are just as crucial as physical health.
Silver economy
Governments and institutions are beginning to recognize that an ageing population represents a significant, untapped market rather than merely a cost center. This perspective is strongly advocated by the Cyprus Third Age Observatory, which urges the state and politicians to view older people as a dynamic market segment rather than a burden, pushing for policies that support businesses in adapting to this demographic shift.
Ageism
For the first time, combating ageism is being addressed with the same urgency as racism and sexism. The WHO has released a ‘’Global Report on Ageism’’, which identifies it as a significant barrier to health. The underlying logic is that if society perceives older individuals as useless, their physical and mental health declines more rapidly, ultimately costing the state more in terms of healthcare. Additionally, the conversation has shifted from generational conflict to intergenerational solidarity.
Digital inclusion
There is a massive policy push to move care out of institutions and into the home, but with a modern twist: digital inclusion. Access to the internet and digital literacy are now considered fundamental rights for seniors to prevent social isolation. Policies are shifting funds toward ‘’Ambient Assisted Living’’ that allows people to live safely in their own homes for longer. The Cyprus Third Age Observatory explicitly lobbies for digital literacy programs to ensure seniors are not left behind by e-government services.
You lead the Cyprus Third Age Observatory, which works at the intersection of ageing, human rights, and social participation. Could you tell us about its core mission today and the priorities that currently shape your work?
Our organization is dedicated to ensuring that ageing in Cyprus is not seen as a waiting room for the end of life, but rather as a time for active citizenship, dignity, and ongoing contributions. Our core mission has evolved significantly; we are shifting from providing simple support to engaging in strong rights-based advocacy. We do not just request better care; we demand that the human rights of older people be respected with the same vigour as those of any other demographic. This commitment is one of the reasons we were honored with the ‘’Human Rights Award’’ for 2025 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus.
By moving beyond passive welfare models, our work is currently shaped by four dynamic priorities designed to ensure that every older person in Cyprus lives with dignity, security, and purpose.
- Fostering Intergenerational Solidarity & Digital Inclusion
We are actively breaking down barriers between generations through initiatives such as ‘’Mentoring Across Borders’’. This program highlights the wealth of wisdom that older people possess. We connect seniors with youth to facilitate skill transfer, helping reduce social isolation among older adults and alleviating unemployment anxiety among young people. At the same time, we view internet access as a modern human right. We are actively promoting digital literacy programs to ensure seniors can navigate e-government services, online banking, and other services, preventing them from becoming ‘’second-class citizens’’ in a digital world. - Combating Abuse and Ageism
We maintain a strict zero-tolerance policy against human rights violations. Our mission is to combat ageism, which includes harmful stereotypes that label older individuals as ‘’expired’’ or ‘’useless’’. These narratives not only negatively impact mental health but also justify exclusion. To tackle this issue, we are partnering with the Ministry of Education, Sports, and Youth to cultivate a culture of empathy toward ageing, starting in primary education. Additionally, we aim to highlight the ‘’silent epidemic’’ of abuse against older people, which can be physical, psychological, or financial in nature. Our efforts involve raising public awareness to ensure that abuse is recognized, reported, and prosecuted. To support victims, we are employing an in-house lawyer who provides legal advice and liaises with relevant authorities. - Championing the Silver Economy
We are challenging the outdated economic model that views population ageing solely through the lens of pension deficits and healthcare costs. Our goal is to advocate for a paradigm shift that recognizes the Silver Economy as a crucial and untapped driver of Cyprus’s GDP. We urge both the state and the private sector to stop overlooking this demographic. We want to emphasize that seniors are not just consumers; they are also investors, philanthropists, and often act as a financial safety net for younger generations. Hence, our message to the government is clear: investing in the Silver Economy is an investment in national economic resilience. It transforms dependent, passive recipients into active economic participants who fuel growth, sustain year-round tourism, and drive technological innovation.
The 24/7 Emergency Support ‘’Red Button’’
Our organization, in partnership with the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare, is responsible for a 24/7 emergency support line called the ‘’Red Button’’. The service provides essential support for seniors, functioning as a lifeline rather than just a traditional call center. This approach emphasizes psychological first aid, offering immediate emotional support to individuals facing loneliness or anxiety, alongside a confidential reporting channel for cases of neglect or abuse. We are empowering seniors to ‘’age in place’’, enabling them to remain in their homes safely and independently while alleviating fears of isolation or emergencies. With 24/7 availability, this service not only supports autonomy but also assures families that help is readily accessible. Furthermore, it guarantees that all seniors, regardless of their location—from urban centers to remote mountain villages—have the means to seek assistance, transforming geographic isolation into a secure connection to care.
The terms ‘’active’’ and ‘’healthy’’ ageing are now widely used. Based on your experience, how does the participation of older people take shape in practice, beyond policy language and strategies?
That is a crucial question because there is often a disconnect between the polished language of policy papers and the daily reality of our older people. From our experience, ‘’Active Ageing’’ in practice has been evolving significantly. We are at a stage where it is no longer just about organizing excursions or coffee mornings. Today, participation is defined by purpose, contribution, and defiance against exclusion.
In the past, programs for older people focused on filling their spare time with entertainment. Today, participation takes the form of giving back. In the Mentoring Across Borders, an EU-funded program, we see retired professionals (teachers, engineers, artisans) who refuse to let their skills atrophy. They are actively mentoring young people, offering career advice, and teaching traditional skills.
In Cyprus and across Southern Europe, ‘’active ageing’’ often takes the form of essential, unpaid labor that holds society together. And the reality is that if grandparents went on strike tomorrow, the economy would struggle. They are the primary childcare providers for their grandchildren, allowing parents to work full-time, and, of course, they support their families financially and logistically. In this context, we are fighting to have this recognized not just as ‘’family duty’’ but as a massive economic contribution, a form of ‘’active ageing’’ that often goes unappreciated in GDP statistics.
Active ageing is inextricably linked to today’s digital world and is crucial for older people who are eager to engage with technology. Many seniors attend digital literacy workshops not just for entertainment, but to gain skills for managing e-banking, accessing healthcare portals, and connecting with loved ones through video calls. This shift reflects a quest for independence, as they seek to master technology and assert their autonomy rather than being seen as dependent or marginalized.
In practice, ‘’Active Ageing’’ today means autonomy. It is the transition of the older person from a beneficiary of the state to a protagonist in their own life. It is the 80-year-old learning to use a tablet, the grandmother keeping her family afloat, and the retired expert mentoring a startup founder. That is the reality we see and support every day.
Cyprus is aging rapidly while also facing unique social and geographic dynamics. What do you see as the most pressing challenges for older people in Cyprus today, and where do you see the greatest opportunities for change?
We are witnessing a pivotal moment in the history of our island. Cyprus is no longer simply “getting older”; it has become one of the fastest-ageing nations in the European Union. While our older population holds our history and wisdom, they are currently facing a landscape that often seems unprepared to meet their needs.
Here, I outline our perspective on the most pressing challenges as well as the transformative opportunities I foresee now and in the years to come.
a. Life expectancy in Cyprus is high, approximately 83.2 years. However, there is a concerning health gap. On average, Cypriots spend the last 15 to 20 years of their lives dealing with preventable chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, and musculoskeletal issues. Many older people retire only to encounter immediate functional limitations that diminish their independence.
b. Loneliness has become widespread, especially in mountain communities. The absence of reliable, age-friendly public transportation means that many seniors struggle to visit doctors, attend social events, or see their families. Additionally, we are witnessing an increase in reported cases of abuse, financial exploitation, and ageism, where seniors are treated as expendable or ignored by both the state and private sectors. An example of this is insurance companies rejecting older drivers solely based on their age.
c. While the General Health System has made notable strides in many areas, it still faces a pressing shortage of integrated home care and rehabilitation services for patients after hospital stays. As a result, countless bedridden seniors are left in distressing situations, dependent on family members who are often overwhelmed and stretched thin. These devoted caregivers strive to provide support, but they often lack the necessary resources and professional support, as demand for state-sponsored home nursing care far exceeds the available supply. This service gap leaves many seniors without the proper care and support they desperately need.
Cyprus still lacks a comprehensive, integrated long-term care system, leading to fragmentation across the public, private, and community sectors. Public expenditure on long-term care is among the lowest in the EU, resulting in high out-of-pocket payments and inadequate coverage. As dependency increases with longevity, this fragmentation leads to delays, gaps, and unequal outcomes, especially for individuals with dementia, complex chronic diseases, or mobility limitations.
d. It’s essential for society to shift its perspective on older people, moving away from the outdated notion of viewing them as a burden and instead recognizing them as a vibrant and dynamic market segment with significant potential. Cyprus is uniquely positioned to tap into this opportunity by developing specialized silver tourism initiatives and innovative products designed specifically for seniors.
By focusing on the preferences and needs of older travelers, Cyprus can position itself as a premier destination for active ageing, offering engaging experiences tailored to this demographic. This strategic approach could not only enhance the travel experience for seniors but also create thousands of new jobs across sectors such as hospitality, health care, and leisure. Furthermore, by investing in this niche market, Cyprus has the potential to reposition itself on the global stage as a leader in promoting a positive image of ageing, encouraging seniors to maintain an active, fulfilling lifestyle while enjoying everything this beautiful island has to offer. Embracing this opportunity could drive economic growth and foster a more inclusive environment for all generations.
e. The gap in digital access is gradually closing, but significant efforts are still required to bridge it completely. Programs like “Digital Skills for 55+” have not only met but exceeded their participation goals, demonstrating a strong demand for digital education among older adults. Through this initiative, seniors are being equipped with essential skills to navigate e-government services, utilize digital health tools, and engage with social media platforms. This training goes beyond mere technical proficiency; it serves as a crucial bridge that connects them to the world, helping to alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness. Despite these promising developments, there remains much work to be done to ensure that all seniors can fully participate in the digital age.
f. In a significant milestone, the government of Cyprus has unveiled its inaugural National Strategy for Active Ageing, covering the period from 2025 to 2030. This comprehensive strategy outlines 45 targeted actions aimed at enhancing the quality of life for the older population. Among its key initiatives is the introduction of the “Red Button” alert service, designed to provide immediate assistance to seniors in times of emergency. Additionally, the strategy proposes increased financial subsidies for elderly care homes, ensuring that residents receive the support they need. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of intergenerational programs that foster connections between older people and younger generations, promoting mutual understanding and collaboration within the community. In addition and in parallel with the National Strategy for Active Ageing, the National Strategy for the Health of Older People proposes more than 70 targeted actions for healthy ageing.
Looking ahead to the next five to ten years, what priorities should policymakers, communities, and civil society focus on to ensure that longer lives translate into dignity, inclusion, and wellbeing?
The next five to ten years should be considered a crucial decade for delivering on promises. Cyprus already has a strategic plan in place. Still, the true challenge lies in ensuring that reforms lead to improved everyday security, autonomy, and protection of rights for older people, regardless of their location, income, or family situation. To transform the longer lives of Cypriots into genuine well-being, we need to go beyond emergency measures and establish a solid foundation for an ageing society.
The years 2026 to 2035 should prioritize four key pillars: human rights-based policy, urban reconstruction, intergenerational solidarity, and sustainable long-term care, to guide strategic efforts effectively.
The first pillar focuses on establishing a human rights-based policy. Policymakers must transition from a charity mindset to a rights framework that recognizes the dignity of older people. A new independent body should be created to oversee nursing home facilities and home care services, implementing strict standards that address not only hygiene but also mental stimulation and social autonomy to improve seniors’ quality of life.
Additionally, vast legal reforms are needed to protect older people from physical and psychological abuse, neglect, ageism, and financial exploitation. That includes establishing “Senior Advisory Committees” to ensure their representation in local governance and to enable active participation in decisions that affect their lives.
Furthermore, reforming the pension system is essential for the sustainability of the Social Insurance Fund. The minimum pension should be adjusted to reflect the actual cost of living in Cyprus, allowing older people to live healthily and with dignity rather than merely surviving.
The second pillar emphasizes urban reconstruction. Urban reconstruction in Cyprus is shifting towards prioritizing the human scale of cities, moving away from the traditional car-centric designs that have often isolated senior citizens. The National Strategy for Active Ageing advocates inclusive spatial planning aimed at significant changes over the next decade. This strategy emphasizes the importance of thoughtfully designed spaces that enhance the quality of life for older people, fostering community engagement and connection.
The third pillar is about intergenerational solidarity. Civil society serves as a crucial mechanism for fostering intergenerational solidarity, which refers to the cooperation and mutual support between different age groups. This solidarity operates on both micro and macro levels: within families and throughout society. Civil society organizations play an essential role by transforming social policies into real, impactful connections that bridge generational divides.
Despite the efforts though, several challenges hinder the cultivation of intergenerational solidarity, including the narrative of resource competition, geographic mobility, and a growing digital divide. The aim is to create a society that is not just age-diverse but age-integrated, where community participation is determined by capabilities and interests rather than age. Ultimately, promoting intergenerational solidarity is seen as a practical necessity for sustainable development, enabling the collaboration of past experiences and future potential to address current societal challenges.
The fourth pillar, and a top structural priority, is to develop a comprehensive long-term care system that connects health and social services, since the current system places significant dependence on informal caregivers. The current long-term care system in Cyprus is fragmented, resulting in a heavy reliance on informal caregivers and a lack of formal support for older people. We emphasize the need to develop a comprehensive long-term care system that integrates health and social services, ensuring that older people can access care that upholds their dignity. This initiative seeks to transition from informal, reactive care to a structured, proactive approach that includes quality standards, assessment pathways, and sustainable financing.
A comprehensive long-term care system should allow older people to navigate various services seamlessly, from prevention and home support to rehabilitation and palliative care. This approach ensures eligibility and access are not determined by financial means or family circumstances, aligning with EU directives that advocate for dignity and autonomy in ageing. By establishing these pathways and robust quality standards across all care settings, Cyprus can enhance the experience of older people and their families, ultimately enabling a more cohesive, supportive care environment.
