Goals: describe the main goals of the good practice

Awarding the elderly with the aim of raising public awareness on positive contribution of the elderly for the society. Based on gained knowledge we implement campaigns to raise awareness of the society on needs and position of the elderly.

The aim is to draw attention to simple and ordinary people from various regions to their positive contribution and their work for society, neighbourhood, family and improve the relations and attitudes towards older generation.

Target Group: describe on which group the good practice is targeted

Older people – raise their self-confidence and improve the position in the society

Public – gaining positive images of older person in the society.

Various generations – gaining information on the life of the elderly

Self-governments – information on active citizens in their community

Family – improving the relations with older members of the family

Approach: describe the way in which the good practice is implemented.

Based on inquiry we receive proposals of citizens from whole Slovakia. We have implemented this activity already for 5 years; it is the only one in Slovakia and contributes to improving the view of the society on older people, their contribution for the society, family and own community.

Who does implement this good practice? Mention, if relevant, the organisation or persons who do the work.

This activity is implemented by our organisation Fórum pre pomoc starším.

What material is available on this good practice (description, website etc.)

On our website www.forumseniorov.sk there are photos and profiles of the awarded people

How widely is this good practice used in your country?

This is the only action of such a kind in Slovakia, but there is an interest not only from the side of citizens themselves, but also government. There are similar activities in towns – awarding of older people from their region. But this is the only one at national level.

What are the results, outcomes, experiences with this good practice? Please mention the source(s).

Older people improve their self-confidence. With this activity we raise interest of media in position of the elderly, their active work in society, active ageing, often they are positive examples also for younger generation.

Are there effect studies? Please mention the source(s) if the answer is ‘yes’.

What are the success factors?

Improving the position of the awarded elderly in their families and their support of activities, recognition and respect. Improving intergeneration relations, as well as the public awareness on positive contribution of the elderly for the society, raising respect, support of this generation. Perception of the society towards older citizen not only as receiver of services and high costs on care, but as a part of community.