The Government of Moldova plans to allocate almost 43 million lei for the implementation of the National Program for Active and Healthy Aging for 2023-2027.
The named national program and action plan for its implementation were approved by the Cabinet of Ministers at a meeting on Wednesday. According to the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, these documents are aimed at creating an enabling environment for active and healthy aging. The program is aimed at strengthening the actions of the authorities and institutions involved in promoting active aging, the integration and full participation of older people in public life and the development of social security, health, education, in accordance with the principle of active aging. According to official statistics, over the past 6 years in Moldova, the population aged 60 years and over has increased by more than 4% and makes up about 24% of the country's population, and the rapid pace of population aging leads to a significant increase in the proportion of older people. Thus, through the mentioned program, the government aims to further develop social assistance systems, healthcare, education, culture, sports, in order to use the potential of active and healthy old age, including by ensuring an inclusive labor market for all ages, developing digital skills and active participation in decision-making and community development processes. It is planned that as a result of the implementation of the National Program for Active and Healthy Aging for 2023-2027 about 3,000 older people will be provided with assistive/technical aids; basic social services for the elderly will be created and expanded in 50 settlements; public services and programs to mobilize the elderly will be created in 50 localities. The Cultural Voucher program will be extended to 5,000 elderly low-income people. A support program will be initiated and implemented to connect and provide ICT equipment to 25,000 low-income elderly people; digital skills of 5,000 older people will be developed. It is also planned to expand the possibilities of continuous education through the introduction of the concept of "University of the 3rd age". Sports and cultural programs will be adapted to the elderly. Central and local governments and public institutions will take part in the implementation of the National Program for Active and Healthy Aging in partnership with civil society and development partners, one of the key partners is the United Nations Population Fund. The approximate cost of financial resources necessary to ensure the implementation of the state policy document in the field of active and healthy aging in 2023-2027 is 42.95 million lei, of which 6.76 million lei will be allocated from the state budget, and 36.19 million lei - come from development partners. // 28.06.2023 — InfoMarket
