Activities / News

On the International Day of Older Persons, the NGO Naše doba organized two panel discussions dedicated to active aging and intergenerational solidarity, within the initiative “Together for the Golden Years”, implemented in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through the program “Together for the Common Good.”

At the first panel, “Podgorica Tailored to Seniors,” held in the Capital City, the results of a survey conducted in September 2025 among 220 residents of Podgorica aged 55 and older were presented. The research showed that older citizens are generally familiar with the electronic services offered by the Capital City, but do not use them to their full extent.

The most well-known service is public transport tracking – as many as 40% of respondents mentioned this option, while 24% are aware of the possibility of electronic payment for services. Reporting communal issues is known to 18%, participation in public consultations to 12%, while the least known service is “Super Official” (6%). Almost half of the respondents (49%) already use some e-services, while 51% are not yet users. It is encouraging that as many as 66% would gladly attend training sessions on how to use mobile devices and digital services.

The findings of the research point to the need for greater investment in digital literacy, accessible healthcare and legal services, as well as strengthening social support for older people who live alone. The recommendations prepared by Naše doba also highlight the importance of intergenerational and educational programs that encourage the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and empathy among generations – key values of social cohesion.

Representatives of the Capital City also spoke about the importance of creating a city tailored to all generations, announcing new activities aimed at improving the position of older citizens and enhancing communication between institutions and the public.

The second panel, “Intergenerational Empathy – The Path to Social Cohesion,” was held at the University of Donja Gorica, on World Mental Health Day, with the participation of academia and representatives of civil society. Professor Dr. Vesna Ratković from the Faculty of Law at the Mediterranean University spoke about the human rights of older persons, while MSc Ana Maksimović Sekulović, psychologist and associate at the Faculty of Applied Psychology at UDG, emphasized the importance of “integrative empathy” – awareness of mutual understanding and respect between generations.

Both events highlighted that the active participation of older people in community life not only contributes to their quality of life but also strengthens trust, solidarity, and social resilience. In times when society is undergoing rapid change, empathy between generations becomes one of the foundations of shared progress.

The survey results and recommendations of the NGO Naše doba will be submitted to the Capital City as a proposal of measures to improve the quality of life of older citizens and to build a Podgorica tailored to all generations – a community that cares, connects, and learns together.