In the Republic of Moldova, there are many older persons who do not take part in the decision-making process at community level, but they have rich experience and can be useful, Minister of Labor and Social Protection Alexei Buzu stated in a news conference where he presented the National Program on active and healthy aging for 2023-2027. The program was launched in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Moldova on the occasion of World Population Day, IPN reports.

The minister said that in the last 6 years, the number of the population aged 60+ increased by more than 4%, and the share of older persons currently constitutes almost 24% of the country’s population. According to population forecasts, in 2040, every second person in our country will be over 50 years old. For the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, it is very important to ensure a decent living for all the people in the Republic of Moldova.

Alexei Buzu noted that through the Program, they also aim to digitally enable as many older people as possible, including the lonely ones, from rural areas, to offer them equipment and the opportunity to access the Internet, social services, communicate with their loved ones.

UNFPA Resident Representative in the Republic of Moldova Nigina Abaszada underlined the importance of gender equality for a healthy and active aging and a sustainable future. “On World Population Day, UNFPA is calling for expanding choices and opportunities for women and men throughout life, including through family-friendly policies in the workplace, to ensure a dignified life and aging for all, regardless of gender or age, to leave no one behind,” stated Nigina Abaszada.

The document contains 4 national objectives and provides a multisectoral approach to the aging phenomenon, which implies the involvement of all state institutions in creating a favorable environment for the active and healthy aging of people.