Varaždin County recognised for making pensioners’ lives better

Varaždin

ZAGREB, 11 April (Hina) – As of Friday, Varaždin County has joined the World Health Organization’s Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities, becoming the first county in Croatia to do so.

County prefect Anđelko Stričak said the move marked another in a series of achievements, following recent recognition as a green destination and Croatia’s most hospitable region.

“Together with other members, we consider how to make our pensioners’ lives better, more creative and more fulfilling. They built this region, and today we want to enable them to engage in activities they enjoy but may previously not have had time for,” he said.

He added that it was a particular honour to be the first in Croatia to join such a network and to take part in the exchange of experience and the development of policies for older people at a global level.

Jadranka Bahlen, head of the county association of pensioners’ organisations, said retirees had initiated the process of joining the network. “If we can be a Child-Friendly County, we can also be friends of pensioners,” she said.

She also noted that funding for pensioner programmes had increased from €50,000 to €200,000 over the past four years.

Music from the balcony (Photo:Varaždin Tourist Board)

The WHO network brings together more than 1,700 cities and communities across 57 countries to promote environments that support dignified and active ageing.

By joining, Varaždin County has committed to further developing policies for older people and sharing experience with other members.