Health minister: Almost two million single people, in Romania, in rural areas, mostly women

There are almost two million single people, in Romania, in rural areas, the vast majority of whom are women, Health minister Alexandru Rafila said on Tuesday, at the National Congress of Active Aging.He emphasised the importance of ensuring access to health services for the elderly, but also of correct information, so as to encourage, at any age, "preventive behaviour", whether it is about nutrition, physical activity or elements to ensure psychological comfort. He also pointed out the role of respect for the elderly in society.Minister Rafila mentioned that the Ministry of Health is developing home care programmes, but also underscored the importance of community interaction and care. At the same time, he said, the elderly can make a "vital" contribution to a country's economic growth.The president of the National Institute for Active Aging, Alexandra Dobre, recalled that in 2023 she initiated the steps for the establishment of the National Agency for the Elderly, as well as for the launch of the National Programme for the digital education of seniors. Moreover, the first multifunctional day center dedicated to the elderly will be opened in 2025. It will provide: free psychological counseling, financial education, free legal advice, digital literacy courses, workshops.The president of Ana Aslan International Foundation, Luiza Spiru, said that preparations for an "active and healthy" aging should begin when the body is not affected by chronic diseases or other types of disabling pathologies.Presidential adviser Diana Loreta Paun said that the health and well-being of the elderly is "an essential component" for a healthy and equitable society. She underlined the need to support programmes dedicated to active ageing, especially in the context of the rapidly ageing population.Undersecretary of State Marius Posa said that the Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digitalisation is working "intensively" on programmes to protect people who can be easily exposed to "phishing scams, scamming and other offers that seem fabulously interesting, until we run out of money in our account".Mihnea Claudiu Drumea, secretary of state in the Secretariat-General of the Government, emphasised the importance of adopting and implementing effective legislation to ensure the dignity and autonomy of the elderly.The event will end with a gala awarding best practice models in promoting the concept of active ageing in Romania.