2025 EDITION SPEAKERS

The national conference "Best Practices for Aging Well," organized by the Margareta of Romania Royal Foundation, is the longest-running event in Romania dedicated to senior care specialists. It serves as a premier platform for bringing the latest industry insights to the public eye.

Now in its 9th edition, the conference aims to improve the quality of life for the elderly by promoting the most innovative and effective solutions across the country—solutions that can truly change the lives of Romanian seniors.

The event takes place in honor of the International Day of Older Persons on October 1st, a date the Royal Foundation celebrates every year through a variety of meaningful initiatives.

Experts from the public, social, and medical sectors will provide the most current statistics regarding the elderly population, share innovative and effective solutions tested at the national level, and present examples of best practices in the field of aging that could be implemented within the participants' communities, such as:
• The phenomenon of population aging and the situation of the elderly in Romania
• Government measures regarding the protection of senior citizens
• Report on the impact of the intergenerational method in "Generations Centers," marking 10 years of social innovation
• Active aging through recreational programs supported by volunteers in care homes
• Digitalization for seniors
• Home care solutions and crisis intervention
• Top needs identified among the elderly in Romania through the "Senior's Helpline," the free social hotline launched 10 years ago
• Seniors as a resource for the community within intergenerational centers

Her Majesty Margareta, Custodian of the Crown, President of the Margareta of Romania Royal Foundation, will deliver the opening address for the ninth edition of the Conference dedicated to aging.

Her Majesty Margareta, Custodian of the Crown

President of the Margareta of Romania Royal Foundation

Petre-Florin Manole is a human rights activist and Romanian politician, elected as a Deputy for Bucharest in 2016, 2020, and 2024, on the PSD (Social Democratic Party) lists.
Since June 2025, he has served as the Minister of Labor in the Ilie Bolojan government.

Petre-Florin Manole

Petre-Florin Manole Minister of Labor, Family, Youth, and Social Solidarity

Daniel Arpinte is a principal researcher at the Research Institute for Quality of Life and holds a PhD in Sociology, with a thesis in the field of social assistance. He is involved in various research projects focused on social assistance services, disadvantaged social groups, and the social economy. Daniel Arpinte is the author of numerous reports, studies, and articles in the fields of social policy, social assistance services, social economy, and disadvantaged social groups. He has participated in various national and transnational projects as an evaluator, researcher, or consultant.

Daniel Arpinte

Senior Researcher

Gabriela Necșuliu has worked in central public administration for over 9 years, where she is involved in substantiating social policies and identifying development priorities in the fields of social inclusion and social services. She also focuses on the design and implementation of national and international projects and programs managed by the Ministry of Labor and Social Solidarity within her area of expertise.

Daniela Necșuliu

Head of Department, Ministry of Labor, Family, Youth, and Social Solidarity

A social worker by profession, Roxana has coordinated the "Senior's Helpline" program, implemented by the Margareta of Romania Royal Foundation, for the past 6 years. She has been involved in the launch and development of the hotline since 2015, while also being one of the voices who warmly answered the more than 113,000 calls recorded to date. Since her university years, she has worked with various vulnerable social categories, including children and youth at risk, as well as elderly individuals affected by Alzheimer's or other types of memory disorders.

Roxana Molocea

Program Coordinator, Senior's Helpline, Margareta of Romania Royal Foundation

Loredana Ivan, Professor at SNSPA (Communication), holds a PhD in Sociology and a Postdoctorate in Social Psychology. She served as the Chair of ENAS (European Network in Aging Studies) between 2019 and 2022. Her research interests include technology and communication in later life, fake news across generations, family relationships, and ageism; together with Eugène Loos, she introduced the term "visual ageism." She is the Principal Investigator (PI) for Romania in the "City & Co" project (2022–2024) and a co-applicant in the "Aging in Data" project, while also coordinating special issues on these topics (2022–2023).

Loredana Ivan

Professor at National University of Political Studies and Public Administration (SNSPA)

Cristina Ciupercă is a social worker with over 9 years of experience, having spent the last 4 years as part of the Margareta of Romania Royal Foundation team. She provides information and counseling to seniors who call the Senior's Helpline—the only national, free, and confidential line dedicated to the elderly. Over the phone, she ensures the well-being of beneficiaries by providing social information to those who do not know where to turn and by supporting their community involvement. She addresses situations of loneliness, offers moral support, and contributes significantly to improving the quality of life for elderly people in Romania.

Cristina Ciupercă

Social Worker at Senior's Helpline

Helene Radu is a social worker with over 29 years of experience in the field of social services. She began her career supporting institutionalized children, and for the last 17 years, she has dedicated herself to developing and coordinating social services for the elderly, both in residential care and day centers. Currently, she is a Senior Inspector and Coordinator of the Alzheimer Day Center at the General Directorate of Social Assistance and Child Protection (DGASPC) Sector 1, Bucharest.

Helene Radu

Senior Inspector, Coordinator of the Alzheimer Day Center, General Directorate of Social Assistance and Child Protection Sector 1

Founder of the "Volunteering for Life" Association and manager of the Mărășești Care Home for the Elderly, Daniel Drăgan has dedicated his work to supporting seniors and developing social and intergenerational programs. Through his projects, he promotes active living, respect, and solidarity between generations, bringing hope and dignity to the lives of the elderly within the community.

Daniel Drăgan

Founder, "Volunteering for Life" Association

Flavia Boghiu, a sociologist and community development expert, has over a decade of experience in community assistance. She founded the "Home Care" Association (Asociația Îngrijire Acasă), a non-profit organization dedicated to home-based care and supporting the elderly. In 2020, she initiated the "We are helping you from Brașov" volunteer network, mobilizing an "army of volunteers" to serve vulnerable seniors. During the same period, she launched the "Adopt a Grandparent" campaign, which connects lonely seniors with younger community members eager to provide support and companionship. Between 2020 and 2024, she served as the Vice Mayor of Brașov, continuing her mission to improve social services and the quality of life for the elderly and vulnerable individuals in the community.

Flavia Boghiu

Founder of Home Care Association

An economist by profession with a passion for numbers and a charismatic speaker, Valer Hancaș has over 23 years of experience in international retail companies. Over time, Valer has held various management positions within Kaufland Romania, gaining extensive expertise across the Sales, Procurement, and Marketing departments. Currently, he serves as the Director of Corporate Affairs for Kaufland Romania, a company where he has been active for over 21 years.

Valer Hancaș

Director of Communication and Corporate Affairs, Kaufland Romania & Moldova

Marius Berca began his journey with Christian Tour more than 20 years ago, transitioning from the status of a loyal tourist to becoming an integral part of the company's team. Throughout his career, he has held diverse roles, ranging from tour guide for Christian Tour groups to B2B Marketing & PR Director, and currently serves as Operational Manager.
He professionally represents Christian Tour in the media, maintains relationships with partner agencies, and coordinates the agency's "infotrips" (familiarization trips). On a personal level, a passion for sports is his constant companion: a former professional athlete in handball and football, he remains a promoter of physical activity and positive energy—values he cultivates in his daily life.

Marius Berca

Operational Manager, Christian Tour

Mihai Peca is a training and certification specialist at ICDL Romania, dedicated to digital education. He coordinates projects focused on developing digital skills for youth, adults, and seniors, with over 13 years of experience and contributions to initiatives such as "Connecting Generations," "Girls Champions in 3D," "3DUTECH – Shape the Future," and "Hi Digital." His expertise includes direct training for seniors and the development of resources and practical guides for technology adoption. Through his work, he promotes active and connected aging, using technology as a tool for independence, socialization, and safety.

Mihai Peca

Training and Certification Specialist, ICDL Romania

Anamaria Pîslaru has been an actress at the Masca Theater since its founding, bringing sensitivity, intuition, and passion to the stage. Beyond dramatic performances, she has left her mark on community projects such as Human Mosaic, where she worked with seniors, children, and adults, emphasizing the unique voice of every person in the community. Coming from a family with a long theatrical tradition, Anamaria continues this heritage with both artistic and social responsibility. As the coordinator of the Masca Theater Seniors' Troupe, she brings not only stage experience but also the belief that active aging means cultural sharing, creativity, and a sense of belonging to the community.

Anamaria Pîslaru

Actress, Coordinator of the Seniors' Troupe – Masca Theater

Prof. Dr. Violeta Pușcașu teaches Demography at the Faculty of Law and Administrative Sciences, "Dunărea de Jos" University of Galați. With over 35 years of experience in higher education, in 2016 she initiated the University of the Third Age (U3A), the first non-formal university program in Romania, which annually attracts dozens of seniors to the lecture hall. Since 2021, she has consistently delivered lectures in the "Seniors' School," a personal initiative dedicated to preparing for the aging process. An author of award-winning articles and volumes, in 2023 she published Ageless Learning: A True Story for Seniors, and currently coordinates the Erasmus+ project "Learn How to Age!"

Violeta Pușcașu

PhD Professor, Faculty of Law and Administrative Sciences, "Dunărea de Jos" University of Galați

Mihai Dragomir is a founding member of the Mioritics Association and manager of the organization's primary projects. He coordinates the Schubz Educational Center and leads initiatives focused on promoting cultural heritage, developing ecotourism services and packages, organizing international promotion events, and youth educational programs. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Association of Ecotourism in Romania and an invited expert at conferences organized by the UNESCO Regional Bureau in Venice. Since 2009, he has been part of the team that initiated and coordinates the Râșnov Film and Histories Festival.

Mihai Dragomir

Founding Member, Mioritics Association

Georgeta Filitti (b. 1938, Bucharest) is a historian and the author of 97 books and over 400 articles. A Doctor of History, she served as a researcher at the "Nicolae Iorga" Institute of History and was awarded the "Nicolae Bălcescu" Prize for editing the "Speeches of Mihail Kogălniceanu." She has collaborated with the Ion Ghica Foundation, the Metropolitan Library, and INMER; since 2009, she has been a lecturer at the Calea Victoriei Foundation.

acad. Georgeta Filitti

Historian, researcher, publicist, writer, and translator; PhD in History and Philosophy from Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca

AGENDA 2025

09:15 – Participant Registration | Welcome Coffee

10:00 – OPENING OF THE CONFERENCE

Presentation of the Conference
Mugurel Mărgărit Executive Director of the Royal Foundation (Moderator and Host of the event)

Opening message
Her Majesty Margareta, Custodian of the Romanian Crown - President of the Margareta of Romania Royal Foundation

Welcome message
Petre-Florin Manole – Minister of Labor, Family, Youth, and Social Solidarity

10:20 – Launch of the Study: "The Intergenerational Model as a Solution for the Social Inclusion of Seniors and Children. Evaluation Results of the Generations Centers Program 2015–2025"

Daniel Arpinte Research Fellow, Author of the Study

10:40 – ROMANIA’S ELDERLY – WHERE DO WE STAND? The National Strategy for Long-Term Care and Active Aging 2023–2030

Strategia națională privind îngrijirea de lungă durată și îmbătrânirea activă 2023-2030

Gabriela Necșuliu - Head of Department, Ministry of Labor, Family, Youth, and Social Solidarity

Dialogue: Active Aging from the Perspective of Intergenerational Relations
Gabriela Necșuliu - Head of Department, Ministry of Labor, Family, Youth, and Social Solidarity
Daniel Arpinte Research Fellow, Author of the Study
Roxana Molocea – Elderly Helpline Program Coordinator, Margareta of Romania Royal Foundation
Loredana Ivan – University Professor, National School of Political and Administrative Studies (SNSPA) – Faculty of Communication and Public Relations
Q&A Session

11:20 – Press Statements (10 min) | COFFEE BREAK AND NETWORKING

11:45 – A BETTER LIFE FOR VULNERABLE SENIORS

The Senior’s Helpline for a Dignified Old Age
Cristina Ciupercă – Social Worker, Elderly Helpline, Margareta of Romania Royal Foundation

Active Aging Activities for Seniors at the Day
Helene Radu – Specialist Inspector, Coordinator of the Alzheimer’s Day Center, General Directorate of Social Assistance and Child Protection District 1, Bucharest

Bridges Between Generations
Daniel Drăgan Founder of the "Volunteering for Life" Association, Mărășești

The "Adopt a Grandparent" Campaign
Flavia Boghiu Founder of the "Home Care" Association, Brașov

Q&A Session

12:35 – COFFEE BREAK AND NETWORKING

13:00 – OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACTIVE AGING

Dialogue: An Active Life into Old Age – Senior Clients
Valer Hancaș Director of Communication and Corporate Affairs, Kaufland Romania & Moldova
Marius Berca – Operations Director, Christian Tour

Mobile Support Applications for Active Aging
Mihai Peca Training and Certification Specialist, ICDL Romania

The Seniors' Troupe
Anamaria Pîslaru – Actress, Coordinator of the Seniors' Troupe Masca Theater, Bucharest

Ageless Learning
Violeta Pușcașu PhD – Professor, Faculty of Law and Administrative Sciences, "Dunărea de Jos" University, Galați

Seniors with Passions
Mihai Dragomir – Founding Member, Mioritics Association, Râșnov

Q&A Session

14:10 – HEALTHY AND RELEVANT AT ANY AGE

Acad. dr. Georgeta Filitti Historian, researcher, publicist, writer, and translator; Member of the Romanian Academy

14:25 – BUFFET AND NETWORKING

CONFERENCE MODERATOR AND HOST

Executive Director, Margareta of Romania Royal Foundation

PARTICIPANTS

The conference is accredited with 2 professional credits for social workers registered with the National College of Social Workers (CNASR) and is addressed to specialists in elderly care working in:

NGOs in the field of social assistance

Public institutions and central or local authorities

Support and medical services or companies with dedicated products

Companies focused on seniors through CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) or ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) policies.

WHAT THE CONFERENCE OFFERS

1 inspirational day featuring innovative and effective solutions for seniors

speakers – national experts and practitioners

4 dynamic and interactive panels

networking opportunities for all participants

2 professional credits for attending social workers registered with the CNASR

CLASSICAL MUSIC RECITAL FOR THE FOUNDATION’S SENIOR BENEFICIARIES

A recital performed by the "Young Talents" scholarship recipients for approximately 120 seniors who benefit from the social programs of the Margareta of Romania Royal Foundation: The Senior's Helpline, The Generations Centers, and The Fund for the Elderly.

The Young Talents scholarships are awarded to gifted youth aged 14–24—students at music and arts high schools and universities—who come from low-income families. Launched in 2009, the project provides talented young people with comprehensive, relevant, and consistent support through scholarships, mentorship, and promotion. Today, it is recognized as the premier arts and culture program in Romania.

09:30 – 18:30 THE INTERGENERATIONAL EXHIBITION – Media Hall Foyer

Snapshots captured at the Generations Club in Bucharest – District 6, as well as at Generations Centers across the country, where seniors serve as volunteers for children from underprivileged families. These are accompanied by works created by young visual artists from the "Young Talents" program. Their art is based on the symbolic representation of old age, drawing inspiration from the life stories of seniors who are beneficiaries of the "Senior's Helpline" social service.