In the Republic of Moldova, the "University for the Third Age" (UV3) initiative continues, a pilot project launched by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Ministry of Education and Research, the State University of Moldova, and the Moldcell Foundation. UV3 aims to promote lifelong learning and encourage elderly persons to age actively and healthily.

In this context, on February 14, 2024, the second module was launched at the State University of Moldova for approximately 40 students aged 60 and above from the Republic of Moldova and refugees from Ukraine, titled "Well-being and Communication between Generations."

The course "Well-being and Communication between Generations" will contribute to improving relationships between seniors, children, and grandchildren, and reducing feelings of loneliness, worry, and sadness. Interaction with younger generations has significant benefits for the well-being of older individuals. Additionally, the learning opportunities within the course aim to encourage seniors to be active and autonomous in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, social interactions, and both intellectual and physical activities. Participants will develop communication skills with the younger generation, address new strategies for coping with difficult situations, and learn how to organize their time efficiently. The educational process will be interactive, based on practical and informative activities, group discussions, sharing experiences, and best practices. Seniors will attend the course in both Romanian and Russian languages.

Among the senior participants was 73-year-old Vera Banari, a former teacher passionate about personal development. She attended the event excited about the opportunity to socialize, build new relationships, and motivated not to lose connection with younger generations: "We leave the class with a heart like a warm bread, made by mother and taken out of the oven," said Vera Banari.

During the event, participants discussed the need for continuous learning among the elderly with representatives of public authorities and the project "University for the Third Age."

Addressing the seniors, Alexei Buzu, the Minister of Labor and Social Protection, said, "We want elderly persons to be actively involved in lifelong learning. The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection has committed to achieving the goals outlined in the Active and Healthy Aging Program for the years 2023-2027 to empower and give more decision-making power to elderly individuals."

Natalia Plugaru, Deputy Representative of UNFPA, the main partner in implementing the Active and Healthy Aging Program in the Republic of Moldova, reiterated the organization's commitment to continue supporting the development of the University of the Third Age. "We want this program to be adopted nationally to enhance the well-being of the elderly, provide them with opportunities for development and lifelong learning, contributing to the active and healthy aging of the population and defining the demographic resilience of the country."

Igor Șarov, Rector of the State University of Moldova (USM), congratulated seniors on the start of the second course, emphasizing that it is an honor for the university to promote lifelong learning not only among young and adults but also for individuals in their third age. "USM, as a promoter of the values of a democratic and inclusive society, will create opportunities and conditions for increasing the number of seniors admitted to study at the University for the Third Age," emphasized Igor Sharov.

Present at the event, Maria Pancu, a member of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, appreciated seniors for their ambition to be involved in active aging activities, highlighting the importance of expanding the UV3 experience nationally. "At the national level, there is a desire and motivation expressed by elderly individuals, and there are institutions that would support the development of UV3 branches within USM. We just need to identify concrete tools to provide the necessary support from the state," mentioned the parliamentarian.

Irina Strajescu, Executive Director of the Moldcell Foundation, reiterated the importance of supporting elderly individuals. "It is crucial to create opportunities for active participation of the elderly. The Moldcell Foundation will continue to be involved in the digital empowerment of the elderly and provide them with the necessary equipment to access the internet and communicate with loved ones, including making it easier to interact with the younger generation. In this way, we aim to contribute to the well-being of our parents and grandparents," said Irina Strajescu.

Currently, 1 in 5 people in the Republic of Moldova is over 60 years old, and by 2040, 1 in 3 will be over 60. According to the "Generations and Gender" Study (GGS), the proportion of individuals aged 55-74 involved in lifelong learning activities is only 2%, which is below the EU average (4.5%).

The development of the "University for the Third Age" initiative is part of the objectives of the National Program for Active and Healthy Aging 2023-2027 implemented by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection in partnership with UNFPA.

UV3 is a pilot program taking place from October 2023 to June 2024 with the technical and financial support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, the Ministry of Education and Research, the State University of Moldova, and the Moldcell Foundation."