1. ““Ageing is a development issue.
Healthy older persons are a resource for their families,
their communities and the economy“ WHO
2. “It is not that they do not see a solution.
The issue is they don’t see the problem”
Cesterten
3.
4. Albanian Society for All Ages
(ASAG) is an independent non-
profit organization, working to
make Albania a better place for all
ages.
The vision of ASAG: to enhance the
quality of life for elderly, through
social policies, advocacy and
community services.
5. “International Plan of Action on Ageing”
Political Document
signed by the President
and the Albanian
Government in the
Second World Assembly
on Ageing, Madrid 2002.
Translated, published and
disseminated by ASAG
6. Elderly people in Albania comprise
around 12% of the population
The longevity of women over 65 is 10
points higher than the respective male
one in Albania.
Demography
7. ASAG is the founder of the Task Force of Elderly Women
Our goal is to change such practices as the deformation and limitation of
our presence where decisions are made. This obliges us to claim for
involvement in public debates, in implementation of strategies, in the
creation of a political agenda for us, because every woman has her
voice.
8. Rural Health: Access to Care and
Services
In Albanian rural communities,
there is an ever growing alarm
over the well-being of old women.
Poverty, lack of basic health and
social services as well as
migration of young people to big
cities in search of jobs are
endemic factors, affecting directly
the old women.
Old women live longer. Their
desire to live as independently as
possible, is challenged by the need
for adequate and satisfactory
living arrangements
9. Uprooting poverty is
a moral duty for
every society. It is
not a social welfare
The importance of the
confrontation with poverty
is not only the duty for the
sufferers. It is extremely
important to construct a
society that is fair and
proper for all and that the
political structures must
understand that it is not just
an economic issue, but also
a social issue
10. The demand for social health
protection, that meet older women’s
needs, often comes from organizations
working with women at the community
level. It is important to work with such
organizations supporting community
participation in planning change.
Give Older Women a Voice
11. The World Bank report: “Albanians-
older and poorer in 2025”, demands for
reforms in Health Care and Pensions.
12. The draft Law for elderly, towards a new
vision.
The Albanian Parliament did not pass the draft Law in favor of
Elderly (March 2009) which was an initiative of the Albanian
civil society in partnership with a political party and other
active players. This Law proposes to support the local
government in its efforts to guarantee the active participation,
ensure the eradication of poverty among and promote a
dignifying environment for the older persons.
13. *LACK OF LEGISLATIVE AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK*
Since 2009 ASAG is struggling to and pushing for the government to introduce and implement
the „national strategy on Ageing 2009-2013“ in Albania. NO ACTION has been undertaken so
far.
Lack of central or local governmental structures to support the elderly.
RESULTS IN:
Failure of collecting statistical data regarding the current livelihood of older persons in Albania.
Limited access to services severely impacts their health, physic, psychology, intimacy and the
ability to enhance the education.
Gender differences, inequalities and lack of support influence the way older persons are
perceived and their ability to contribute in the community.
FACT:
Tirana, the capital city in 2011 is comprised of 11 local administrative units. The largest unit:
number 2, where ASAG is established, has a population count of 90.000 inhabitants and
unfortunately 0 daily and residentail centers for the elderly.
14. The implementation of the strategy for the Eradication of Poverty in our
country meets lots of difficulties, due to the lack of a proper legislative
framework.
Another important point is the fact that guaranteeing human rights is
not entirely a legislative issue.
Which law can end the stigma and the prejudice?
Which law can change the attitude of hospital staff toward elderly
patients?
Which law can change the attitude of the society’s towards elderly
people?
The list could go on and on.
-The legislation itself and the implementation of laws are two different
processes.
Law as a tool to change
15.
16. A poor and inadequate lifestyle at an older age is and
will remain a factor of fear and uncertainty for
younger generations. There is no better than now to
act together towards encouraging participation and
change in defining and supporting the older woman’s
role in our lives.
