In Odesa, a round table was held dedicated to the International Day for the Elderly titled «Unity for a Dignified Old Age».

The main goal of the event was to draw attention to the issues faced by elderly individuals and to establish partnerships between government bodies and non-profit organizations to find ways to improve the lives of the older generation.

The round table was initiated by the Charitable Foundation «Caritas Odesa UGCC» in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Social Policy of the Odesa City Council.

Among the attendees were the social advisor to the Odesa mayor, Veronika Etnarovich, as well as representatives from various social institutions and organizations working for the benefit of elderly people.

Olenа Kytаiskа, the Director of the Department of Labor and Social Policy, emphasized that the current social policy aims to expand the rights and opportunities of elderly people, their integration into society, and ensuring a dignified quality of life at any age.

Participants discussed several important topics:

• social support for elderly individuals in Odesa;
• presentation of survey results identifying key needs of elderly people;
• current challenges faced by elderly individuals during wartime;
• the status of internally displaced persons needing social care services;
• ensuring dignified care for the elderly.

The event served as a vital platform for exchanging experiences and best practices between local authorities and the public sector.

At the conclusion of the round table, participants discussed prospects for improving collaboration among stakeholders in the provision of social services.

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The International Day for the Elderly was established by the UN General Assembly on December 14, 1990, to enhance the protection of the rights and dignity of older individuals and to draw attention to aging issues.