Over 200 specialists in the field of aging learned about solutions to increase the quality of life for the elderly at the National Conference "Best Practices for a Beautiful Later Life"
The Margareta of Romania Royal Foundation organized on Thursday, October 1, the national conference "Best Practices for a Beautiful Later Life." The event, now in its 4th edition, was organized on the occasion of the International Day of Elderly Persons and took place online for the first time.
According to the INSSE report of January 1, 2020, over 3.7 million people in Romania are over the age of 65, and the pace of population aging is alarming, placing our country 2nd among European countries. Relevant in this regard is the increase in the demographic aging index from 112.1 (in January 2019) to 115.6 elderly persons per 100 young persons.
Through the "Best Practices for a Beautiful Later Life" conference, The Margareta of Romania Royal Foundation brought to the participants' attention the latest information in the field of gerontology and effective, innovative solutions to increase the quality of life for seniors.
The conference was opened by a message from Her Majesty Margareta, Custodian of the Romanian Crown, an appeal to protect and support the elderly and to collaborate to offer them a dignified life and hope for a better future.
The more than 200 specialists participating in the event had access to topics of interest relevant to the current context of the COVID-19 pandemic. National and international speakers presented current statistics regarding the elderly in Romania, the effects of the pandemic on the physical and mental health of seniors, as well as practical solutions for their support, opportunities for social participation and community involvement, and examples of best practices that can be implemented by those active in the field of aging.
„The COVID–19 pandemic will give us the opportunity to evaluate our current approach, to quantify the lessons learned during this period, and to develop strategies for new approaches to combat loneliness and social isolation among elderly people. First of all, we must teach social workers and elderly people to use new technologies, take into account the needs that will arise in the post-pandemic era for our patients and their families, develop better tools for assessing loneliness and social isolation, and implement new resource-based technologies – self quantifed – that can be completed online.” Prof. Dr. Luiza Spiru, expert in geriatrics and gerontology and coordinator of the strategic project Brain Aging,
"The year 2020 meant reforming the mentality regarding elderly care worldwide. We live in different times, times that force us to adapt on the go. The secret to keeping SARS-CoV-2 out of senior centers is strict adherence to hygiene and isolation rules and procedures." — Alexandru Gerard, Administrative Director, Rosen Residential Center for the Elderly.
"It is very important to stay connected with elderly people during this period. Organizations in France had to adapt and identify new methods to stay in touch with the seniors who are beneficiaries of their programs. A simple phone call, a simple SMS, but also teaching them to use tablets and smartphones, can bring a great change for the better in their lives, especially during the pandemic." — Barbara Bringuier, International Coordinator, Les petits frères des Pauvres Association.
As has already become a tradition, the conference also featured the launch of the top needs of the elderly in Romania and the solutions offered to them, created by processing data collected within the Elderly Helpline program, the only free and confidential telephone line dedicated to seniors across the country. According to the report, the declared needs of the seniors who called the line during its 5 years of operation fall into five major categories: the need for useful information, the need for care and practical support, the need for emotional support, the need for material and financial support, and finally, the need to be active and for social participation.
Partner: Vodafone Romania Foundation.Sponsors: Hochland Romania, Raiffeisen Bank, Johnson Wax, Metropolitan Life, Kaufland Romania, Alliance Healthcare, Alphega Pharmacy, National Society Nuclearelectrica, Hartmann, City Grill, CEZ Romania, Hotel Ramada.Media Partner: Sănătatea buzoiană.
About The Margareta of Romania Royal Foundation
Founded in 1990 by Her Majesty Margareta of Romania, Custodian of the Romanian Crown, together with her father, King Michael I, The Margareta of Romania Royal Foundation is today a leading non-governmental organization that supports children, young people, and elderly people through sustainable interventions based on the exchange of experience and values between generations. Over its 30 years of activity, the Foundation has developed numerous sustainable projects in the fields of education, community development, civil society, health, and culture, projects that have contributed to the spiritual and social renewal of Romania. The Margareta of Romania Royal Foundation supports elderly people through programs aimed at improving their quality of life, involving volunteers and mobilizing institutional partners and the entire community, the most recent being The Elderly Helpline, the Fund for elderly people, and the Generations Community Centers. More details at fundatiaregala.ro/.
