How to ensure active, healthy and dignified longevity for Kazakhstanis in accordance with the best international practices? Policymakers and MPs had a chance to find out answers to these questions in a two-day seminar.
A training on the “Directions and priorities of state policy in the field of aging. Active, healthy and dignified longevity for citizens of Kazakhstan ” was organized by the National Commission for Women and Family and Demographic Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan with the technical assistance of the Country Office of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Kazakhstan.
Within two days, on October 7-8, the training participants have been discussing important data on the aspects of population ageing;the main strategies for ageing at the global and regional levels; as well as the principles of successful international models of active ageing policy applicable in Kazakhstan.
Gaziza Moldakulova, Coordinator of National Programmes of the United Nations Population Fund in Kazakhstan (UNFPA), presented the country's main demographic trends based on a study conducted by PORC last year with technical support from UNFPA in Kazakhstan.
“According to the forecasts of our research, there is a tendency of demographic ageing in Kazakhstan. By 2050, the proportion of older people will increase by almost 2.5 times. It is very important that these dynamics are reflected in the socio-economic development plan of the country for the coming years, ”said Gaziza Moldakulova.
The importance of supporting the older generation was also noted by the Vice Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Population, Yerzhan Birzhanov:
“Ensuring a dignified longevity is one of the social priorities of our state. A designated national “Active ageing” plan was adopted until 2025. Longevity centers will be opened in all regions of Kazakhstan, and we expect our older people to actively visit them. "
The two-day training provided an opportunity for participants and experts to jointly discuss the development of measures for improving the quality of life and social and psychological well-being of older citizens.
