Engaging Senior Citizens and Youth in Community Development

Abstract

This article presents the current situation of senior citizens in Lithuania, and ways to involve them in the development of society. About a fifth of European Union (EU) citizens are considered to be senior citizens (65 years or older). The growing number of older people presupposes micro and macro problems in society. The micro problems are the loneliness of the elderly and the lack of social participation. The macro problems include social security issues: pensions, health care and social services. All EU countries are facing the challenge of an ageing society and demographic change. The results of the study ‘Community Senior Citizens Involved International presented in Stripes revealed: 1) existing best practices for the inclusion of senior citizens; 2) social issues related to the exclusion of senior citizens; 3) ideas on intergenerational solidarity by involving senior citizens and young people in joint activities. The results are likely to contribute to the development of youth attitudes towards ageing and strategies to reduce the gap between generations.