Next week, the Parliament will host the Day of Older Persons 0 16

At the opening of the Day of Older Persons, dedicated to the theme "Active Aging: Health, Participation, and Opportunities," participants will hear from the Speaker of the Saeima, Daiga Mierina, Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs, Chair of the Saeima Social and Labor Affairs Committee Andris Berzinsh, and Chair of the Latvian Pensioners' Federation Aija Barča.

Last year, the Day of Older Persons in the Saeima was dedicated to the so-called silver economy. This year, at the beginning of the event, Minister of Welfare Rainis Uzulnieks, Minister of Economics Viktors Valainis, Minister for Smart Governance and Regional Development Edgars Tavars, and Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Health Liga Abolina will present an overview of the work done to improve the welfare of older persons and highlight the main challenges.

Two panel discussions are planned during the event. The first will focus on the involvement of older persons in public life and their quality of life. Discussion participants will talk about how society is aging, how the state and municipalities can help reduce loneliness, and how digital opportunities and technologies can improve daily life. Practical experiences will also be highlighted - ways in which municipalities and local communities more actively engage older persons in societal life.

The second discussion will focus on health and an active lifestyle. Older persons, together with politicians, will discuss how to ensure accessible and quality healthcare, as well as the physical and emotional needs of older individuals.

Additionally, it is planned to discuss how the aging of society will affect healthcare, social services, and the labor market in the future. At the conclusion of the discussion, special attention will be given to heart health and the impact of cardiovascular diseases on people's lives and the healthcare system.

At the end of the day, Minister of Health Hosam Abu Meri and the European Regional Director of the World Health Organization Hans Kluge will talk about opportunities for international cooperation and share ideas on how to help people maintain their health longer in old age.

The Day of Older Persons in the Saeima will begin at 10:00 in the Baltic Hall at: 6/8 Jekaba Street, Riga.