According to the State Audit Office, individuals aged 60 and older made up nearly a third (28.8%) of Lithuania's population at the beginning of this year, a figure projected to rise to 43.5% by 2100. Despite this significant demographic shift, state policies have not yet sufficiently addressed the need for active engagement and support for older individuals. Irena Segalovičienė, the head of the State Audit Office, emphasizes that aging should not be perceived merely as a temporary crisis or a social burden, but rather as a long-term reality requiring meaningful reforms.

Segalovičienė argues that older individuals should be afforded real opportunities rather than face barriers in remaining in the workforce, engaging in lifelong learning, and contributing to society. The recommendations provided by the Audit Office outline a direction for the government to emerge as a facilitator of active longevity potential, ensuring dignity, independence, and fiscal sustainability for older citizens. The intent is to shift the narrative around aging and leverage the skills and experiences of older individuals as valuable assets for the community.

To combat the challenges of a rapidly aging society, the Audit Office is exploring several strategies, including immigration and raising the retirement age, as part of its proposed solutions. The current audit has revealed that only 14.1% of elderly pensioners are engaged in the workforce. This low employment rate signifies the need for targeted policies that not only attract older individuals back into the job market but also promote their overall well-being and social inclusion in Lithuanian society.