To improve the lives of elderly people in Ukraine, joint efforts are needed from the government, civil society, and the international community. Recently, in Kyiv, a workshop was held with representatives from the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine, non-governmental organizations working on issues related to the elderly, and staff from international institutions. The purpose was to develop a shared vision on how to create dignified conditions for aging and longevity in our country.
Our charitable foundation was represented at the event by Advocacy Director Alina Dyachenko because it’s important for us to contribute to creating a society that is friendly to the elderly and to participate in developing strategies for our country in this regard.
During the workshop, participants:
- Analyzed existing experiences, achievements, and gaps in social policy for the elderly.
- Generated ideas for the desired quality of life for elderly people and their integration into society in the future.
- Outlined key changes and steps that can help turn desired outcomes into reality, and identified key players needed for this.
The event was jointly organized by the international organization HelpAge International and the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine. The outcomes of the workshop are planned to be used for further development of cooperation between Ukraine and European Union institutions in reforming social policy for the elderly.
Quoting one of the statements made by Alina during the workshop, which reflects the official position of our foundation:
“It is very important to have a shared vision of what exactly and how we want to do in the country to ensure that the lives of elderly people are full, active, and happy. A nationwide strategy is needed as a roadmap for everyone – for the government, civil society, and business. It is also extremely important to create this document together, and then implement it together. Because it is our shared responsibility – what conditions today’s elderly people live in and what kind of old age future generations will have.”