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

The primary objective of the event was to highlight important issues affecting older persons and to unite efforts from government and community representatives to find ways to enhance their lives.

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

Participants included advisor to the mayor on social and humanitarian issues, Veronika Etnarovich, as well as representatives from social institutions and NGOs dedicated to the welfare of the elderly.

The director of the department, Olena Kytainska, emphasized that the government's social policy aims to expand the rights and opportunities for older individuals and to integrate them into community life.

Participants discussed several key topics:

• social support for older persons in Odesa;
• presentation of survey results identifying the key needs of older persons;
• current challenges facing older persons during wartime;
• the situation of internally displaced persons requiring home care services;
• ensuring dignified care for older individuals.

The event served as an important platform for exchanging ideas and best practices between local authorities and the public sector.

At the conclusion of the round table, participants discussed prospects for improving cooperation 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 enhance the protection of the rights and dignity of older people.