Today, the city of Ungheni is redefining ageing with the launch of the Active Ageing Center. 

This initiative is a result of partnership between the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, the Governments of Great Britain and Japan, HelpAge International Moldova, and the Moldcell Foundation, and the local public authority - all united in their commitment to empower older persons in the Republic of Moldova to thrive, engage and lead fulfilling lives.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by UNFPA Regional Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia Florence Bauer, Ambassador of Japan in the Republic of Moldova Yamada Yoichiro, representatives from the UK Embassy, Parliament, local public administration, partners, and members of the older persons' community, marks the official launch of the Ungheni Active Ageing Center, also known as the 'Active Ageing Club'.

Designed as a hub for older persons in the community, the center offers a diverse range of activities and services aimed at enhancing their health, fostering intergenerational dialogue, and promoting social inclusion. From sports, yoga, music, and dance to reading and crafts, the center provides a welcoming space for seniors to engage in activities that enrich their lives. Moreover, the center regularly hosts young volunteers who provide digital skills training sessions on the use of smartphones and electronic services, enabling older persons to stay connected and informed in today's digital age. More than 150 older persons are already registered to visit the Active Ageing Center in Ungheni.

"We strongly believe that age is never a barrier, it is always an opportunity for continued growth,” said UNFPA Regional Director Florence Bauer. “This requires a change in the narrative around older persons from viewing older citizens as vulnerable and dependents to recognizing their role as active contributors in the community, including economically, socially and culturally. Harnessing the potential of older adults and promoting their well-being not only benefits individuals but also society as a whole."

This perspective is particularly relevant as demographic trends indicate a growing population of older adults across Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The population projections for the Republic of Moldova show that by 2040, the generations aged 50 and over will make up half of the population of the Republic of Moldova. This demographic shift will have significant implications on the social, economic, and health sectors of the country.

UNFPA has consistently supported the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Republic of Moldova in the implementation of the National Program for Active and Healthy Aging 2023-2027, which aims to strengthen the demographic resilience of the country. 

UNFPA supports the local public authorities in prioritizing active ageing programs in their budgetary planning based on population trends and demographic forecasts. In parallel, in partnership with the Moldcell Foundation, UNFPA recently piloted the University for the Third Age program at the State University of Moldova, which offers digital skills courses to the older persons. 

Along with the Active Ageing Club in Ungheni, a similar center will soon be launched in Căușeni.  The success of the launch and the enthusiastic participation of community members shows that there is a need for initiatives promoting active and healthy ageing and will be replicated across the Republic of Moldova enriching the lives of older persons.