Ageing population’s challenge Balkan nations
October 24th 2012
With elderly populations rising, governments across the Balkans are discovering there are common problems as they work to improve social services for aging citizens. Studies have shown that the most significant issues facing the elderly are poverty and loneliness.
Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) each count about 17 percent of their population age 65 or older. In Croatia (15 percent) and Montenegro (13 percent), the elderly populations are smaller. But 30 years ago, when the countries were part of the former Yugoslavia, just 8 percent of the population was 65 or older.
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In 2011, the [Serbian] ministry of labour and social policy re-established the National Council on Ageing, an expert advisory body to the government meant to ensure an action plan is implemented.
“Unfortunately most of the ministries still don’t see their role, and they still do not see this problem of ageing as a burning issue in our country,” said Marija Rakovic, national programme officer for the UN Fund.
The average pension in Serbia is about 200 euros per month, which is barely enough to afford food and heat during the winter months.
Read the entire article: Southeast Times
More on this issue: Ageing
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