Kharkiv Mayor Terekhov Proposes National Elder Care Strategy.

Terekhov Advocates for Senior Citizen Support

According to Novyny.live: Ihor Terekhov, the Mayor of Kharkiv and head of the Association of Frontline Cities and Communities, has called for a national strategy to support the elderly, focusing on social care and preventative medicine. He highlighted that over 10 million pensioners live in Ukraine, with loneliness being a critical issue for this demographic. This proposal comes as many Ukrainian families are separated due to the ongoing conflict, exacerbating isolation for the elderly.

"The greatest problem in old age is loneliness. According to estimates from humanitarian organizations, over half of Ukraine's elderly population feels abandoned."

Ihor Terekhov

Terekhov stressed that establishing a social care system would not only improve seniors' quality of life but also benefit the economy. He pointed out that:

• "A social care system is not just social policy. It also means new jobs."
• "Such a system could create up to 100,000–150,000 jobs in the care sector."

He also stated that a 'frozen conflict' scenario is unacceptable for Ukraine, emphasizing that protecting and supporting the elderly must be a state priority. Therefore, Terekhov's initiative could be a significant step in addressing the social challenges faced by older Ukrainians.

This proposal tackles one of Ukraine's most pressing social issues—supporting pensioners who often confront loneliness and inadequate care. With a growing elderly population, this strategy could not only enhance their well-being but also stimulate the labor market in new sectors, which is vital under current economic conditions. Implementing these ideas could mark a major advance toward social equity and national economic development.