One year of elderly meetings

One year of meetings – because we need each other

One year ago, we started “Cât mai suntem, câți mai suntem” for a very simple reason: in our villages, many elderly people have fewer and fewer opportunities to leave their homes, meet other people and simply spend time together.

We started with one meeting. Then another. And somehow, they became 12 months of meetings.

We played cards and games, talked, ate together and laughed. Along the way, the children joined us too, and the meetings became “Games Between Generations”: children and elderly people around the same table, sometimes on the same team and sometimes very serious opponents.

Why do a few hours together matter?

Loneliness and social isolation in older age are more than unpleasant experiences. They are now recognised as important public health issues.

The World Health Organization estimates that approximately one in four older people experiences social isolation. Research links loneliness and social isolation to poorer quality of life and increased risks of depression, cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline. Social relationships and opportunities to participate in activities with others, on the other hand, contribute to well-being and to a sense of belonging.

One meeting a month cannot solve loneliness or the problems of everyday life. But it can mean somewhere to go, people who are happy to see you, and a few hours when you are not alone.

Having the children there added something we had not necessarily planned in the beginning. They learn to spend time with people of different ages, to listen, to be patient and to discover experiences different from their own. And the elderly remain an active part of a community that does not separate people according to age.

Perhaps this is the most important thing we have built during this first year: a reason to get together.

After 12 months, we continue. Once a month, with elderly people, children, games, something to eat and room for anyone else who would like to join us.

And somewhere further ahead remains our dream of Casa Bunicii – Grandma's House.

There is still a long way to go. For now, we will meet again next month.

All the above is not said only by us, others say it too: