Improving the position and preventing discrimination of the elderly has a high place on the priority agenda of the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, but also of the entire society, because it depends on us whether we will allow “ageism” to become the dominant form of discrimination in the 21st century or whether we will equally integrate our elderly fellow citizens into development programs and policies and use their rich potential, said the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, Brankica Janković, at the opening of the 11th International Gerontological Congress in Belgrade.
The Commissioner pointed out that, in 2021, the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality submitted to the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia the First Special Report on Discrimination of Elderly Citizens, in which the state of equality of the elderly was presented in detail, and recommendations for improvement were given and the possibility pointed out of using the enormous potential of the elderly, social inclusion and intergenerational exchange of knowledge and experiences. Janković emphasized that the report specifically analyzed the impact of the corona virus pandemic on the position of the elderly and pointed out the need to adopt clear procedures for dealing with crisis events. Part of the recommendations from the report refers to the prevention of discrimination and violence against the elderly, which is unfortunately a frequent social phenomenon, stated Janković.
The Commissioner stressed that the elderly are not a homogeneous group and that during activities aimed at improving their position, numerous circumstances must be taken into account, such as age, health, property and family status, knowledge and skills they possess. If these data are carefully observed, a realistic approach can be created to ensure dignified aging, Janković added. She emphasized that it is crucial to ensure the stability of pensions, social stability, the availability of health care, including the latest therapies, as well as the availability of services and digital technologies, but also that it is necessary to foster and encourage mutual respect and intergenerational solidarity.
At the opening of the 11th International Gerontology Congress, Darja Kisić Tepavčević, Minister of Labour, Employment, Veterans and Social Affairs, Claudia Mahler, Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons, and Jose R. Jauregi, President of the International Association for Gerontology and Geriatrics, also spoke, with a video address by John Kennedy Mosoti, director of UNFPA in Serbia and Susan Somers, from the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse. The main topics of the congress included issues of prevention and systematic approach to solving the problem of violence against the elderly, especially elderly women, the organization of long-term care for the elderly and geriatric patients, health and social support measures, as well as the mental and physical well-being of the elderly. The “Petar Manojlović” award for improving the position of the elderly in Serbia was posthumously awarded to Suzana Mišić, former director of the Belgrade Gerontological Center, and Commissioner Janković presented the award to her son.
