Elderly Care in Portugal and North Macedonia

Abstract

Aging is a challenge for the whole of society and for all generations, involving issues related to intergenerational solidarity, but also to adapting to their new needs. The WHO has established guidelines for the care of the elderly. However, the realities and cultures of countries influence the provided care. It was in this sense that this chapter addresses: characterize the elderly care in Portugal and in North Macedonia; describe the elderly care contexts existing in Portugal and in North Macedonia; and reflect about the similarities and differences about elderly care in Portugal and in North Macedonia. Despite the different realities, cultures, and policies of the two countries under study, the authors found that the elderly are cared for in different and distinct contexts, and there is a shortage of structural and human resources.