Heroes of an active life: Moldovan older people, awarded for involvement and dedication
Eight older people, participants in the contest "For an active life at any age", were awarded today, October 1, for outstanding achievements and performances in various fields, including medicine, culture and social services. The competition is held every year on the occasion of the International Day of Older People to promote active ageing, involvement in social life and to appreciate the outstanding achievements of older people.
The elderly are an essential part of society and must be encouraged to participate in the daily activities of the community, claims the singer Tamara Bălan. She is one of the laureates of the National Older People Award, which was given to her for her more than 50 years dedicated to music. Tamara Bălan emphasizes that the age in her passport does not prevent her from getting involved in various activities and practising sports.
"I am glad that my work was appreciated at such a level. My disciples are all over the world. My parents gave me an example of being active. I don't look in the passport, age over 70 doesn't mean anything. I am active, I have a healthy lifestyle. Sports, yoga, music, the stage, this is my life," said Tamara Balan. Elena Miron, another winner of the contest, is a teacher at the school in Tomai, Leova district. She claims that she was never limited to a single occupation, currently working at the House of Culture and the local museum. The teacher emphasizes that only through movement, involvement and dedication, you can be useful to the community, regardless of age.
"I wrote the history of the church, I wrote the book on the history of the village "Pages from the history of the village 1694." Only the activity, movement, the conversation with people, youth, with the children, with the old, only in this way will we exist and we will be useful to society", said Elena Miron. The Government of the Republic of Moldova adopted measures to increase the minimum and average pension, improved social services and implemented active aging programs, said the Minister of Labor and Social Protection, Alexei Buzu. Starting next year, the minimum pension for people with 40 years of work experience will increase to 3300 lei, the official announced.
"We managed to mobilize resources so that the average pension increases by 90%, and the minimum pension by 143%. We have reduced several inequities in the pension system, and starting next year we will introduce a new type of pension. The minimum pension for a long career, for those pensioners who have a contribution period of at least 40 years, so a minimum pension of 3,300 lei", said Buzu.
Today, October 1, marks the International Day of Older Persons, established in 1990 by the United Nations. According to statistical data, in the Republic of Moldova, 20% of the country's population is over 60 years old.
