A number of nongovernmental organizations and state institutions within a social project will formulate proposals for amending the legislation concerning the access to services for elderly persons. Contacted by IPN, executive director of the Association for Charity and Social Assistance “Acasa” (“At Home”) Felicia Cretu said the project is aimed at involving the elderly persons in more activities so that they feel helpful even if they are retired.

“The elderly people worked throughout their life thinking that they will have a better life and access to services of a high quality when they retire. But now they are the most oppressed. Nobody thinks about this category as a great store of knowledge and experience,” said Felicia Cretu.

She expressed her conviction that the retired persons can provide assistance and advice as they have valuable experience. “We want to suggest solutions. We want this project to be really useful and will directly involve elderly persons in working out mechanisms intended for them,” stated Felicia Cretu.

She also said that old age is not a disease and a healthy lifestyle should be promoted among the elderly people. “The problem is complex. Many elderly people, especially in villages, are not informed that they have rights and should demand that they are provided with mandatory social services,” said the association’s executive director.

The project’s strategy will be submitted in September to the European Commission for approval, with European financing. The project will be implemented by the Association for Charity and Social Assistance “Acasa” in partnership with the Institute for Social Development and Initiative “Viitorul” and the Ministry of Labor, Social Protection and Family.