Boghicevici said the Labor Ministry plans to draft the legislation needed to create better job opportunities and working conditions for elderly people, as well as a series of measures meant to encourage employers hire pensioners. She also said the European Year 2012 for Active Ageing covers three dimensions: employment, participation in society and independent living.
Boghicevici said athlete Iolanda Balas, folk singer Sofia Vicoveanca and Octav Bjoza, head of the Romanian Association of Former Political Detainees, were designated Romania’s ambassadors for the Year of Active Ageing, adding active life must never end at any age.
Andreea Paul-Vass, prime minister’s adviser on economic issues, said Sweden chose to implement, along with its institution-based elderly care system, a home eldercare system to which everybody is entitled and pays only some of the costs. She also said Sweden set up employment agencies for pensioners willing to stay in employment, adding the Romanian Government plans to take similar measures.
The European Commission proposed in September 2010 that 2012 be designated as the “European Year for Active Ageing”. Active ageing includes creating more opportunities for elderly people to continue working, to stay healthy longer and to continue to contribute to society in other ways, for example through volunteering needs to be supported by a wide range of policies at all levels of governance.