Vitebsk organization of the Belarusian Red Cross Society patronizes 20 mini-projects for the self-realization of elderly people

August 31, Vitebsk / Diana Kurilo - BELTA/. The Vitebsk regional organization of the Belarusian Red Cross Society is patronizing 20 mini-projects for the self-realization of elderly people, the chairperson of the regional organization Galina Zhelanova told a BELTA correspondent.

The Belarusian Red Cross Society pays great attention to working with the elderly for a reason: their number in the republic is 24% of the total population. According to geriatricians, the largest proportion of elderly people is in the Vitebsk region. More than 258 thousand men and women over 60 years of age live here. The age category of people over 80 is rapidly growing, Galina Zhelanova stated.

In this regard, the need arises for the prevention of premature aging of the population, the involvement of the elderly in public affairs, the formation of a positive attitude towards the elderly, and the recognition of their right to active participation in the life of society. The fact that venerable age is not an obstacle to self-realization is evidenced by successful projects that are being implemented for pensioners in the regions of the oblast with funds from the Consortium of the Austrian, German, and Swiss Red Cross Societies, the interlocutor believes.

For example, the project "Adradzhenne" united elderly residents of the village of Vykhodtsy, Liozno district. Having bought a horse with the funds allocated for the project, the pensioners not only began to cultivate their land plots together but also started to communicate more and make joint plans for the future. The participants of the mini-project "Rodnik," operating in the Senno district, felt like needed people. Former medical workers took to bicycles and began to provide mobile assistance to those in need, and not only medical assistance. They can measure blood pressure, help with household chores, and organize a fun celebration. In addition, the participants of "Rodnik" took care of several severely ill people.

As Galina Zhelanova noted, work with people of "golden" age in the region will continue and will move to the regions. For the first time, on the eve of the Day of the Elderly, a regional forum of the older generation will be held in Vitebsk. -0-