The elderly are valuable members of society

The European Parliament’s plenary session held an exchange of views on an aging Europe on Monday afternoon. In his speech, Fidesz MEP Ádám Kósa emphasized that the silver-headed members of our old continent possess values that are a treasure for their children and grandchildren. MEP Kósa encouraged EU Member States to follow the example of Hungary, where their grandparents can be active participants in the upbringing of their grandchildren through government subsidies.

“The elderly are valuable members of society, so it is appropriate for them to participate fully and effectively in social life and to live their lives with dignity and independence, including those who suffer from illness or disability,” MEP Ádám Kósa pointed out in his speech.

He emphasized that by strengthening the relationship between the generations, everyone would win: young people and their grandparents could learn from each other and support each other. MEP Kósa drew attention to the fact that older people are most affected by the lack of access to the internet and modern technologies, and are therefore more exposed to exclusion. “We need to help our aging family members to use new technologies, adapt their homes to their needs and learn to manage e-services as well,” he said.

At the same time, seniors can also help their adult children at an important stage in their lives, when the new generation arrives. “In Hungary, working grandparents are given 5 days of extra leave every time their grandchild is born. Moreover, it is also possible for the grandparent to stay at home with the baby, as the grandchild can receive a childcare allowance until the age of 2,” underlined MEP Kósa, encouraging the EU member states to take these good examples from Hungary!