The older people from three districts of Moldova will have more opportunities for social participation over the next four years. HelpAge Moldova Association will support the development of social services and improvement of living conditions in 15 communities. The project “Improving the social participation of older people in Moldova through the development of age-friendly communities”, which is financially supported by the Federal Government of Germany, was launched recently, IPN reports.

Although the older population may enjoy more leisure time and occupations of interest, a large part of the elderly have low incomes, experience health problems, suffering especially from chronic diseases, and have limited access to services and socialization. In this regard, the government has prioritized the promotion of active and healthy aging and HelpAge supports initiatives in this area.

Thus, between December 2023 and November 2024, HelpAge Moldova has supported the creation of social participation activities for older people, including the development of social services and the creation of age-friendly communities. The project covers 15 localities of Ungheni, Sângerei and Telenesti districts and will invest in the creation and development of social participation activities and in adapting the infrastructure and environment in communities.

In the launch of the event, HelpAge Moldova director Tatiana Sorocan said that active aging is a lifelong process and an age-friendly environment is friendly not only towards older people, but towards all. Properly adapted buildings and streets increase the mobility and independence of people with disabilities, including young people, adults and the elderly. Localities with safer living conditions allow children, young women and the elderly to spend time outside, socialize and amuse themselves.

“The creation of activities and services that would ensure regular social participation of older people in communities in Moldova can be a mechanism for preventing many challenges and vulnerabilities faced by both the elderly and the social protection system of our country,” said Teodor Vicol of the Social Services Policy Division of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection.

Within the project, 15 public associations and local public authorities will strengthen their capacity to work in the field of active aging and to promote the elderly-friendly community by implementing activities to mobilize Mutual Support Groups, participate in the decision-making process, create and develop socialization, entertainment and learning activities. Through these activities, the project will involve key actors from target communities to adapt community conditions according to the needs of older people so as to create more age-friendly communities.