A platform for active aging and digital inclusion of the elderly was launched in the Republic of Moldova to reduce the digital divide in society and promote an active and healthy lifestyle among the elderly, IPN reports.
According to the platform's initiators, the average life expectancy increases in Moldova and by 2040 every third citizen will be over 60 years old. So, it is necessary to realize the potential of the elderly and promote an active and healthy lifestyle at any age, thus contributing to the development and socioeconomic and demographic resilience of the country.
The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection keeps up with digital transformation, Minister Alexei Buzu said at the platform launch event. He noted that the purpose of the platform is to involve and train as many elderly people as possible in the digitization processes.
"We want the transition to the digital world to be inclusive and bring benefits to all the citizens, regardless of age. We have identified three major barriers: lack of digital skills, limited access to data traffic and equipment. We do not have full access to them. We must overcome them through concrete and effective initiatives," said Minister of Labor and Social Protection Alexei Buzu.
The project is carried out in partnership with UNFPA Moldova. "The country's digitalization is a reality and we must ensure that all the elderly can benefit from the opportunities offered by the digital world, from online banking to access to vital health information," said UNFPA Moldova Representative Karina Nersesyan.
The number of people over 60 years old increases continuously in Moldova, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics. These show that there were almost 610,000 people over the age of 60 in Moldova at the beginning of this year. This is 25.2% of the total population with habitual residence.
