Commemoration of the International Day of Older Persons takes place in Kazakhstan
Celebrating the International Day of Older Persons in Almaty
October 1 rolls around once more, marking the International Day of Older Persons worldwide. On this special day, we shine a light on the elderly, those living alone, and the disabled residents of Almaty city. As reported by Almaty.tv, the city administration offers material and social assistance to provide support.
Out of the 229,907 pensioners dwelling in Almaty, 2.7 billion tenge was allocated from the budget in 2020 for social assistance to 25,000 low-income pensioners. Additionally, pensioners are granted a 50% discount on public transport, while those aged 75 and above get to travel for free.
Notably, there are 2,800 lonely pensioners and disabled individuals receiving care at home from social workers within the city. This year, 1,500 pensioners have been sent for sanatorium-resort treatment to improve their health and well-being.
The "Belesenі uzak ömir" roadmap for 2018-2020 is in effect to support Almaty's pensioners. The initiative aims to enhance the quality of life for the city's elderly. This year, as per the roadmap, 245,383 thousand tenge has been allocated from the local budget to support this cause.
Almaty houses 9 Centers for Active Longevity in all districts, providing services to over 237,000 people. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, the centers transitioned to remote service delivery, offering consultations with geriatricians, psychologists, nurses, online or phone leaders. Furthermore, the centers offer a variety of classes, including Nordic walking, language lessons, IT literacy, art, dance, exercise, and wellness programs.
The International Day of Older Persons doesn't emphasize the elderly's age but serves as a heartfelt occasion to express our gratitude to our parents, elderly veterans, and residents for their contributions to the city and republic, for their countless years of hard work, and for their wisdom, kindness, and experience.
A Deeper Look at the Support for Seniors in Kazakhstan
Beyond Almaty, seniors in Kazakhstan are nurtured through various initiatives aiming to foster social integration, physical and mental well-being.
Active Longevity Centers:
Across the nation, activities ranging from dance and guitar classes, language lessons, creative arts, handicrafts, gardening therapy, and more are available at the Active Longevity Centers, aiming to boost senior citizens' physical and mental well-being[1].
Charity Foundations:
Numerous charity foundations in Kazakhstan, such as the Saby Foundation, offer support in various domains, indirectly benefiting seniors by strengthening community support systems[5].
Government Initiatives:
The government provides economic assistance and integration programs, focusing more on labor-deficient regions like North and East Kazakhstan[2].
Put simply, the celebration of the International Day of Older Persons is a call to honor our senior citizens and recognize their invaluable contribution to society. Join us in expressing our appreciation for their wisdom, experience, and utmost kindness. Happy International Day of Older Persons, Almaty!
- The Government of Kazakhstan offers support to senior citizens through various initiatives, fostering social integration and physical and mental well-being.
- Across the nation, Active Longevity Centers offer seniors a wide range of activities, from dance classes to gardening therapy, aiming to boost their physical and mental well-being.
- Numerous charity foundations in Kazakhstan, like the Saby Foundation, offer support in various domains, indirectly benefiting seniors by strengthening community support systems.
- The government provides economic assistance and integration programs, focusing more on labor-deficient regions like North and East Kazakhstan, to ensure seniors continue to contribute to society.
- In Almaty, the "Belesenі uzak ömir" roadmap for 2018-2020 aims to enhance the quality of life for the city's elderly, allocating funds for welfare programs and providing a variety of services.
- The Almaty Centers for Active Longevity offer a vast selection of classes, including yoga, fitness, exercise, art, dance, workforce wellness, health and wellness, and mental health programs, to address both the physical and mental needs of seniors.
- Between 2020 and 2022, Medicaid initiatives encompass a wide array of therapies and treatments, prioritizing the health and well-being of all citizens, including seniors in Almaty.
- As part of the health and wellness movement, many seniors across the city practice nutrition and mindfulness techniques to maintain their mental and physical health, as well as slow down the aging process.
- Apart from offering workshops in fitness, exercise, and mental health, some centers also provide resources such as parenting guidance, womens' health information, and support for men's health, focusing on overall well-being for seniors of all walks of life.
