In Odesa, a round table titled «Unity for a Dignified Old Age» was held in honor of the International Day of Older Persons.

The purpose of the event was to draw attention to the pressing issues faced by the elderly and to unite efforts among government representatives and the public to find effective solutions for enhancing their quality of life.

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

Participants included the advisor to the Mayor of Odesa on social and humanitarian issues, Veronika Etnarovich, as well as representatives from social service organizations supporting the elderly.

The director of the Department of Labor and Social Policy, Olena Kytainska, emphasized that the government’s social policy today is focused on expanding rights and opportunities for older persons, integrating them into community life, and ensuring quality living at any age.

Attendees discussed several important topics:

• social support for the elderly in Odesa;
• presentation of survey results identifying the key needs of older individuals;
• current challenges faced by the elderly during wartime;
• the situation of internally displaced persons requiring home care services, including issues related to housing and living conditions;
• ensuring dignified care for elderly individuals.

The event served as a platform for sharing thoughts, 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 of Older Persons was established by the UN General Assembly on December 14, 1990, to promote the protection of the rights and dignity of older individuals and to raise awareness of the challenges of aging.