In the Republic of Moldova, only three in ten persons aged between 60 and 79 have access to digital technologies as opposed to eight in ten persons among younger categories of people. The data were provided in an event staged by the United Nations Population Fund to present the Active Aging Index in connection with the International Day of Older Persons that is celebrated on October 1, IPN reports.
The Active Aging Index is a comparative indicator of active ageing process across European countries. It helps identify strengths and weaknesses in the evolution of this process for each country. “Now that Moldova goes through different demographic challenges, including population aging, migration, low life expectancy, we, those from UNFPA, are ready to further assist the Governor of the Republic of Moldova to create a society in which each person can realize their potential and dreams,” said Nigina Abaszada, UNFPA Moldova Resident Representative.
Iurie Țurcanu, Deputy Prime Minister for Digitization, said that this year’s theme of the International Day of Older Persons – “Digital Equity for All Ages” – urges to take measures to reduce the digital discrepancy between generations. “Currently, digitization is a challenge, especially for older persons. But the benefits of this are many and diverse. Concrete actions are needed for a better inclusion of older persons in the digital society,” stated the official.
Vasile Cușca, of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, said it is known that intergenerational solidarity is the pillar that keeps the families and communities together and contributes to a more stable and prosperous society. “One of the main objectives of the digital empowerment of older persons is to keep closer ties with those who are more exposed to the risk of being isolated and marginalized. In this connection, the Ministry implements more policies to promote the principle of active aging,” noted the functionary.
Caroline Tissot, Director of the Swiss Cooperation Office, stated that the older persons are considered nonactive, but in reality they make an important contribution, including in the family, when they look after children. “The empowerment of these is very important and we should not regard the older persons only as beneficiaries of social assistance, but also as active members who contribute to the development of society. They have a lot to share. It is also important to know their needs,” said Caroline Tissot.
The event was organized as part of the project “Digital Technologies Unite Generations” that is implemented by UNFPA, Moldcell and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation in partnership with HelpAge International Moldova and the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection.
