Every human being needs esteem and respect, which is why it is necessary to teach children about it from their young age, as well as to teach them how to listen, because only if we listen to and hear each other we will be able to reach inter-generation solidarity, said Commissioner for Protection of Equality Brankica Jankovic at the opening of ” Zvezdara Senior Days”.

Panel “Third Age Perspective” was organized as part of the five-day event, opening the topic of seniors’ perspectives, ways of their realization, empowering them to find meaning and value in the third age. Commissioner Jankovic said that old people often face the loss of life purpose. She emphasized that everyone should find their own motive and stressed that volunteering is one of the better ways to activate it. Positive changes are visible after a month of activity. She cited the volunteer center in Zvezdara municipality as an example of good practice. After exchanging ideas and views, Commissioner Jankovic announced that on the occasion of the 1st of October International Day of the Elderly, she would initiate the first classes in schools to be devoted to intergenerational solidarity and the possibility of holding compulsory volunteer classes in secondary schools.

This year’s 9th “Zvezdara Seniors Days” aims to affirm a positive image of aging and older people, their needs and opportunities, the importance of inter-generation solidarity and humane and dignified ageing. Zvezdara Mayor Milos Ignjatovic opened the event, while among other speakers were also Dr. Aleksandra Milicevic Kalasic, neuropsychiatrist and professor, Natasa Todorovic from the Red Cross of Serbia, Snezana Jandrlic, musician and macrobiotic, Jacqueline Bogavac from the Academy of Education, Gradimir Zajic, sociologist and Branka Ribar Bajic, retired Master of Electrical Engineering.