About the project:

Loneliness, social isolation and social exclusion are important factors on risk for bad health at the elderly people, especially in absence on family networks or insufficient support for families . This affects on everyone aspects on health and well-being, from the mental health and dementia to the risk from emergency receptions in hospital because of conditions which can yes everything avoided how what everything heavy dehydration or malnutrition. Poverty at the elderly people can significantly yes it increase their risk from social exclusion. Older women are particularly affected by poverty in old age and social exclusion. Often, aging it is not slow and steady Research has shown that social isolation and loneliness result in serious health conditions in older adults. Adults need regular social interactions, as cognitive decline can cause unintentional social withdrawal. However, social interactions can play a positive role in counteracting cognitive decline. During COVID-19, social interactions have become even more limited, especially for older adults. Aging retirees do not have a large community to provide significant emotional support. Many have lost their spouses during the pandemic. People need quality relationships, no matter their age. Feeling emotionally and physically disconnected from people can be detrimental to health. Elderly people need to be involved in local health, social and recreational activities.

Location:

Ohrid

Timeframe:

December 2022 – November 2023

Partners:

Women's Center "Bisera"
Geriatrics at the General Hospital - Ohrid
Orthopedic Hospital "St. Erasmus" Ohrid
Association "Sport for All - All for Sport" Ohrid

Main objectives:

To reduce loneliness , social isolation and social exclusion , which are important risk factors that effect on health and well-being on the elderly people . These activities will enable social interactions between the elderly persons, on safe place, in pleasant atmosphere and at the same time will everything create local community which would where? important contribution for quality on life, connected with hello aging , improve conditions for life and greetings animals habits and for urban and for rural settlements . In cooperation with themselves adults faces will we work on promotion on civil engagement on the elderly people and empowerment on the role on volunteering, and encouraging on intergenerational relationships through transmission on knowledge and skills.

Results:

• Seniors are encouraged to socialize and get active. 13 different events organized - the events included lectures by experts, joint outdoor physical exercises, an exhibition, study trips, poetry readings.
• To identify local problems that elderly in Ohrid are facing, what has been done, what needs to be done, and who should do it. This data will be made public and engagement will be sought from the authorities and the City Council for appropriate policies. A field survey has been conducted.
• Engaged and more fulfilled elderly people in the municipality of Ohrid - We expect to have 250 people indirectly involved as participants, and about 20 elderly people directly involved as lecturers and organizers.

Supported by:

Macedonian Red Cross