Mixed feelings at International Day for the Elderly

Elderly people were both pleased and discontented with the manifestations organized on Saturday by the authorities in the Opera Square in Chisinau to mark the International Day for the Elderly. Some said they were grateful for the fact that the authorities thought of them and offered them an occasion to come together; others however showed their discontent, saying that music and dancing didn't keep their stomachs full. Galina Oltu, the head of an NGO for the elderly, said their organization was in the Square to participate in the special craft exhibition organized on this occasion. “We came to this interesting event with numerous pieces of handicraft that we made in order to show everybody what we can do. We are proud that we have members who put heart and soul into what they are doing and on this beautiful day, at this beautiful even, we can show that elderly persons are useful. This is a joyous celebration with music and congratulations from the authorities, and we feel delighted”, said Galina Oltu. “Today is the Elderly Day, a very important day. I came here for the first time to show what we've been doing since retirement. Soon I will turn 80 and all I wish is to be in good health and have all my children beside me. I feel joy about all this entertainment and music here, where many people of our age have come together”, said Maria Volosciuc, a pensioner from Cocieri village, Dubasari district. However, there were also discontented voices among the attendees. “Why didn't they bring at least a few sandwiches and some water if they made us stand here in the sun to listen to whatever they're saying? Has it even occurred to them that I perhaps haven't eaten anything yet today, because I spend all the pension money on medicines. I don't need their music”, said an elderly woman. Another participant, a 72-year-old man, said that in previous years this event was organized differently. “A few years ago this was indeed a great holiday. But now they just have us sit on some chairs and listen to their congratulations”. Officiating at the event, Social Protection Minister Valentina Buliga stated that the elderly deserved all the respect and, while the authorities knew very well all the problems faced by the pensioners, the tough financial situation in Moldova made it difficult to solve them. “We wish them to feel comfortable, to feel our care, and we regret that the speed with which we provide this does not meet our desire”, stated Valentina Buliga. Today about 40% of the elderly people in Moldova live below the poverty line, as the average size of the old-age pensions is 59% less than the average basket of consumer goods. The manifestations in the Opera Square included a concert and exhibitions of photos and handicrafts. The event was organized by the Ministry of Labor, Social Protection and Family, the organization HelpAge International and the Joint Integrated Local Development Program.