Reflections on old age in contemporary society in Moscow. Round table on the book "The Strength of Years"

On Friday 8 April, in the Great Hall of the Library of Foreign Literature, the Community of Sant'Egidio organised a round table discussion on old age in contemporary society, on the occasion of the Russian edition of the book "The Strength of Years: Lessons of Old Age for Youth and Families".  The speakers that participated in the evening were journalist Vladimir Pozner, author Ljudmila Ulizkaja, the president of the Commission for charity of Moscow Father Michail Potokin, sociologist Dmitry Rogozin, Svetlana Fayn and Alessandro Salacone, of the Community of Sant'Egidio.

The speakers highlighted the urgent need to grow a "culture of care for the elderly" in Russian society, which is still too weak. In this sense they agreed - from different points of view - that not only institutions, but everyone can contribute to the growth of this sensitivity, starting from themselves to look at old age not as a problem but as an opportunity. Also, in all the reports the need has arisen to promote, at all levels, home care services to old people as an alternative to institutionalisation. The Russian edition of "The Strength of Years" will be a very useful tool for this purpose.

 Among the guests in the packed hall, many young people, university professors, representatives of various foundations and associations that deal with old people.