A round table titled «Unity for a Dignified Old Age» was held in Odesa in honor of the International Day of Older Persons.
The main objective of the event was to draw attention to the significant challenges faced by seniors and to foster collaboration between government representatives and civil society in finding effective solutions for ensuring dignified lives for the elderly.
The round table was initiated by the «Caritas Odesa UGCC» in partnership with the Department of Labor and Social Policy of the Odesa City Council.
Participants included the advisor to the city mayor on social issues, Veronika Etnarovych, representatives from territorial social service centers, and various NGOs such as «April 10th» and the «Red Cross».
The director of the department, Olena Kytainska, emphasized that the current social policy aims to expand the rights and opportunities of seniors, integrating them into community life and ensuring quality of life at any age.
During the meeting, participants discussed several critical issues:
- support for seniors in Odesa;
- results of a survey conducted to identify the needs of older persons;
- challenges faced by seniors during wartime;
- the situation of internally displaced persons needing social care services;
- provision of adequate care for older adults.
The event served as an important platform for exchanging thoughts and experiences among local authorities and the civil sector.
At the end of the round table, participants discussed prospects for improving cooperation among stakeholders in the provision of social services.
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The International Day of Older Persons was established by the UN General Assembly on December 14, 1990, to enhance the protection of the rights and dignity of older persons and to raise awareness of the issues associated with aging.
