International Day of Older Persons: We defend the right of the elderly for a more dignified and productive life

October 1st, 2019

The Prolepsis Institute emphasizes the need to defend the right of the elderly to a productive life with autonomy, dignity and unimpeded access to information regarding the promotion and protection of their health.

Findings from a United Nations study show that between 2015 and 2030 the global population of people aged over 60 is set to increase from 901 million to 1.4 billion. At the same time, advances in technology and especially information technology can create conditions for a more comfortable daily life, and can provide the elderly with a greater degree of autonomy and the ability to remain energetic and to be active citizens.

"It is important to make the best out of the experience and knowledge of the elderly and to help senior citizens to continue contributing to our society and our lives. The "new generation" of older people, along with the need for companionship and psychological support, also seek access to valid information that will benefit their mental and physical health and enhance their life quality. This is a right of all our older persons that must remain inalienable and we strive to support it with our knowledge, our experience and all the resources that we have ” said Mrs Athena Linos, Professor at Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and President of the Prolepsis Institute. 

The Prolepsis Institute participates in international, European and national programs and works with private and public organizations to design and implement actions relative to the awareness among older people.

Information campaign for the elderly in the Region of Central Greece

An informative campaign for elderly residents of the regions of Central Greece is currently being held, regarding accident prevention at home and the principles of healthy eating. The events taking place in the cities of the regional units of Evia, Evritania, Fokida, Fthiotida and Viotia are held in the framework of the program "Improving the quality of life of elderly people in Central Greece in the field of nutrition and accident prevention at home" implemented by the Prolepsis Institute with funding from the Region of Central Greece. (More info here).

365+ Days of Care Program

Starting last April, The Non-Profit Greek Shipowners' Social Welfare Company SYN-ENOSIS, along with Prolepsis, the Institute of Preventive Medicine, Environmental and Occupational Health, as the implementing body, provide daily meals to Eastern Attica residents over 65 years old who have been affected by wildfires, under the 365+ Days of Care program. Furthermore, Prolepsis organizes informational meetings with residents of Mati, like for example the following, “Healthy Nutrition for the elderly people: useful tips and practical advice”, that took place on Monday 30th of September at the Open Care Center for the Elderly at Nea Makri. (More info here).

iHeal European Program

At a European level, the Prolepsis Institute is a Greek partner in the iHeal program, which is an innovative European program aimed at educating older people to improve the skills of handling and utilizing modern technology on health matters. iHeal is co-funded by the European Union's Erasmus + program with partners from six countries. (More info here).

Fighting loneliness and social isolation and supporting the elderly

The Prolepsis Institute announced this summer a partnership with the international organization “Les Petits Frères des Pauvres”, aimed at tackling the social isolation and loneliness of older people in our country. The program, which has just been launched in Greece, includes targeted actions to support the elderly through a network of volunteers who will make home visits and telephone communications and organize collective activities. (Find out more and register for the program here).

National Dietary Guidelines for people aged 65 and over

The Prolepsis Institute provides valid information regarding nutrition to people aged 65 and over with the National Nutrition Guides, which include the most recent and evidence-based nutrition recommendations, aimed at promoting healthy nutrition and health. The National Dietary Guidelines for people over 65 are available here: www.diatrofikoiodigoi.gr.