A Network of Healthy Ageing Centres

The Healthy Ageing Centres developed in Bosnia and Herzegovina have proven to be a highly successful model to show how strong societal and cultural values can support older persons. Several countries in Eastern Europe and the Caucasus have expressed interest to learn more about the operational modality of such Healthy Ageing Centres.  A network of these centres has emerged through direct exchange of experiences and lessons learned between and among these countries.

The methodology for establishing Healthy Ageing Centres was first developed by the NGO “Partnership for Public Health” in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2009. Ever since, the initiative has gained high interest among municipal authorities resulting in the opening of a network of 12 such centres across the country. The methodology is innovative as it builds capacities of older persons for social engagement, voluntarism and active/healthy ageing at very low costs. On the assumption that physical premises are available and could be easily equipped, the monthly operating costs of each centre per older person is approximately 4 EUR or only 1% of the average salary in the country. The operating costs for these centres per each participating older person are lower than a single medicine used for treatment of any chronical illnesses. 

The methodology for establishing the network of Healthy Ageing Centres is very simple and requires only initial capacity building in the management of these centres. The consecutive work is largely based on voluntarism and requires little investment with a lot of added value to the community and society at large. 

It is evident that this network also aims to promote the physical and mental health of older persons. As their illnesses are often associated with loneliness, providing them with opportunities to be active and to voluntarily engage in community development initiatives can have positive impact. Inter-generational support during this stage of life is also an important consideration and can help them cope with the realities of growing old.

The initiative has been successful for many reasons. First, it is tapping on the fact that older persons have capacities that can be nurtured for their own self-development, health and well-being. Second, this active participation in the society brings dual benefit - to society in general and to the individual in particular.  Third, the initiative also promotes gender equality as the centres tries to address the needs of all older people, and provide opportunities for men and women alike. In the past, community associations and groups were mostly composed of and led by men. Moreover, these centres give older persons a chance to learn about and use modern technologies that enable them to communicate with their family and friends. It is common for these older people to have children and grandchildren who are residing in other countries. In this age and time, this additional skill to use computers, phones, and social media is a valuable life skill. Access to communication becomes critical also especially during emergencies, or during this time of the Covid-19 global crisis, when older persons are highly advised to stay at home. This allows them to stay connected, while being safe at home.

UNFPA CO in Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to collaborate closely with the NGO “Partnership for Public Health” in their policy and advocacy work in the country. As a result, the network of Healthy Ageing Centres has expanded from its initial group to another 11 locations in the country over a period of 11 years, some of them with UNFPA support. Many more local communities have expressed interest to open such centres in their areas. At the Ministerial Conference on Ageing in Lisbon in 2017, upon hearing about the concept and experience of BiH, delegations from the region showed high interest in replicating the initiative in their respective countries. 

In 2018, initial transfer of knowledge and experiences has been organized in cooperation with the Government of North Macedonia. Similarly, in 2019, a workshop on healthy ageing was organized in cooperation with UNFPA Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA RO) and the UNFPA Country Office (CO) in Georgia for various partners in nine countries of Eastern Europe and the Caucasus. Already, the UNFPA Georgia CO has supported the opening of the first centre with additional plans to establish a full network of such centres in the country. With UNFPA support, the network continues to grow and prosper in support of older persons. 

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