Last Friday, June 5, Seniors' Day took place in the Latvian Saeima. What you should know about this event: deputies are proposing to adjust taxation for working seniors.
The official agenda of the Seniors' Day was as follows: "Active Aging: Health, Participation, and Opportunities."
Let us remind you in this regard: the average pension in Latvia is currently 656 euros (with 40% of pensioners receiving a pension of less than 500 euros), so these "opportunities" can be commented on for a long time and emotionally.
But let’s leave that to the commentators. Since it is an election year, it is clear that those in power actively talked about how much they have done/are doing for the improvement of the well-being of Latvian seniors and what they will do in the future. Someday.
We will mention a fact that may have real significance for pensioners.
Taxes for Working Seniors May Change
Among those speaking from the authorities was, in particular, the chairperson of the Saeima's Commission on Social and Labor Affairs. He stated that seniors are important not only for families and volunteer work but also for the economy. In Latvia, about 70,000 pensioners continue to engage in work activities.
"Many pensioners would gladly continue to work part-time; however, employers must pay taxes as if for a full-time position. This often creates obstacles for the employment of seniors," emphasized the deputy.
In this regard, the deputies have already appealed to the Prime Minister with a request to find opportunities for regulatory changes in the coming months.
Seniors Submitted Another Resolution
At the end of the event, a new resolution with proposals to improve the quality of life for pensioners in various areas, including healthcare, was submitted to the Saeima by organizations representing pensioners.
The resolution was adopted and they promised to consider it.
"Some Pensioners Die Waiting in Line for Doctors"
This time, the focus of Seniors' Day was on the accessibility of medical care.
Let us quote TV3, which reports the words of pensioners about a real problem: pensioners cannot afford paid medical care, and the queues for state-funded services are so long that many die without ever waiting for a doctor's appointment.
For instance, the leader of a pensioners' organization from Valmiera reported that there is a severe shortage of specialists in the regions. This was stated by the chairperson of the Valmieras pilsētas pensionārs society, Inara Allika:
"The saddest thing is that many elderly people pass away simply because they cannot wait for help. They are unable to pay 2000-3000 euros for surgery at a private clinic."
According to pensioners, even diagnostic examinations often become an inaccessible service.
"The queues are very long. When you register, you are placed on a waiting list, and then you can only wait to see if they will call you back or not," said a pensioner from Baldone, Janis Broks.
"Let me give you one example. A person needed an ultrasound examination. If you pay for it, it costs 67 euros, and you can get an appointment in two months. If the examination is funded by the state, you can only be included in the waiting list, not scheduled for a specific time. And you will be in line under number 683," said the leader of the Seniors' Council of Ventspils Region, Mara Kraule.
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