1 October 2025
Dear ladies and gentlemen, our dear mothers, fathers, grandmothers, and grandfathers,
Today, 1 October, we celebrate International Day of the Elderly – a day on which we express our gratitude and deep respect to all of you. With your hard work, wisdom and love, you have laid the foundations of our present and built the future of the generations that will follow you.
You are the guardians of the traditions and values that bring us together and keep us strong. Your stories and life lessons are the living memory of society, and your kindness and perseverance are a moral support for all of us.
It is our duty to provide you with a peaceful and dignified old age, respect for your rights, and support in your daily life. I know that in today's fast-paced and difficult world, you face many challenges. Unfortunately, we often see examples of formal attitudes and a lack of attention, which hurt dignity and humanity.
That is why my role as Ombudsman is to give voice to your problems, to insist on fairer pensions, accessible healthcare, and quality social services that guarantee you peace of mind and security. I remain your loyal advocate and partner.
Today reminds us that how we treat older people is a measure of the maturity and moral strength of a society.
I sincerely wish you health, longevity, and respect—everything you deserve every day.
Happy International Day of the Elderly!