Elämänturva

Elämänturva is a Finnish term that translates to "life security" or "life assurance." It broadly refers to measures and systems designed to ensure an individual's or a population's well-being and safety, particularly in the face of various risks and uncertainties. This concept encompasses a wide range of provisions, both individual and societal, that aim to mitigate hardship and provide a safety net.

At a personal level, elämänturva can involve financial planning, insurance policies such as life insurance, health insurance, and income protection, as well as building up savings and investments. It's about preparing for unexpected events like illness, accidents, or job loss, and ensuring that one can maintain a reasonable standard of living and support dependents.

Societally, elämänturva is often manifested through the welfare state. This includes public services like universal healthcare, education, unemployment benefits, pensions, and social assistance. These collective provisions aim to protect all citizens from severe deprivation and provide a baseline of security, regardless of their individual circumstances. The goal is to create a society where individuals are not left vulnerable to destitution due to factors beyond their control. The concept emphasizes a holistic approach to well-being, considering not just financial security but also health, social support, and overall quality of life.