site.btaBulgaria Joins Experience-Sharing Conference on Elderly Care in Denmark

Bulgaria was represented at an experience-sharing forum on elderly care in Denmark. There, Health Minister Silvi Kirilov emphasized the importance of preventing loneliness and social isolation among older people, the Ministry reported on Tuesday. The forum was organized by the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The invitation came from the Danish Minister for Senior Citizens, who gathered colleagues from the health and social sectors to exchange ideas, share experiences, and discuss challenges related to the demographic trend of an aging population and the need to provide long-term care.

During the sessions, topics discussed included prevention, early detection, healthy lifestyles, and focusing on the right to autonomy in decision-making (especially for people with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease). Participants also shared experiences regarding needs-based funding for older adults and finding incentives to encourage continued employment after retirement age.

The forum also addressed the creation of an inclusive environment for older people, improving digital literacy, and the role of artificial intelligence in supporting caregivers.

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Minister Kirilov said that at a national level, within the framework of the National Strategy for Mental Health of Citizens, there are plans for training medical professionals to work with older adults, developing educational and rehabilitation programs to support social workers serving older people, and creating a guide for the prevention and early diagnosis of cognitive deficits and dementia.

He also shared the perspective expressed by his European colleagues that it is particularly important to ensure a more suitable living environment for older adults.

One of the most significant demographic trends in Bulgaria, the aging of the population, continues to progress, according to the 2023–2024 Report on the Implementation of the National Strategy for Active Aging in Bulgaria (2019–2030), which the government adopted last week.