In modern times, the position of the elderly in society differs from the past. While the age definition of 60 and over places someone in the “third age,” it is nonetheless a period of life that is equally creative, productive, and dynamic—a period during which everyone deserves to live with dignity and enjoy a high quality of life.
The City of Athens stands firmly by older adults, ensuring adherence to the basic principles of the UN General Assembly for the elderly regarding independence, active participation in community life, the ability to fulfill personal goals, care, and dignity.
In this context, the municipal authority strengthens structures and actions for support, care, boosting self-confidence, and enhancing the sense of independence, self-sufficiency, contribution, and social participation. The operation of Friendship Clubs (Lesches Filias), which act as an antidote to loneliness by giving older people the opportunity to remain active and engaged, along with the reinforcement of the “Help at Home”, program—which serves elderly individuals and people with disabilities, primarily those living alone without a support environment and with serious health issues—constitute a network of social care and solidarity services for senior citizens.
The goal of the Municipal Authority was and remains the support and social activation of the third age and the ensuring of a dignified daily life, so that the elderly can be autonomous, healthy, and active citizens.