Population aging shapes many European regions, especially those facing depopulation. These demographic changes create complex challenges that require more targeted and inclusive public policies. To create solutions that truly work, it is first necessary to ask the basic question: what does the older population actually need? And who could better answer that question than the “elderly” themselves.
This approach was applied by the Municipality of Žabljak, which is one of the partners in the Silver Up project. By conducting a survey directly among local retirees, the Municipality gave a voice to the older population and ensured that their opinions shape future development strategies.
Together with seven other partners from Europe, the Municipality of Žabljak participates in the Silver Up project, co-financed through the Interreg Europe 2021–2027 cooperation program. The project aims to improve regional development policies in a way that enables easier development of the “silver economy” – an ecosystem of goods, services, and innovations intended for the older population, especially in rural areas and depopulated regions. The project seeks to improve general well-being and social inclusion, stimulate economic activity, and promote the attractiveness of such regions. In this process, partners contribute to the creation of a Regional Report on environments, mapping existing policies, needs, and good practices related to population aging and the “silver economy.”
To contribute to these activities at the local level, the Municipality of Žabljak decided to give its citizens a voice. Data collected through the survey will be used to create local policies, with the goal of implementing more effective measures to strengthen social cohesion, stimulate development, and improve the quality of life of the older population.
The survey conducted in Žabljak targeted residents with retiree status, coming from different educational and professional backgrounds. The results pointed to clear, unmet needs, as well as significant, largely untapped potential of the local older population.
Most respondents retired as employed individuals after long careers in administration, trade, services, industry, transport, and state institutions. Almost 95% of them retired in Montenegro, while the retirement age varied significantly – from early retirement in the early fifties to continuing professional activity after the age of 65.
Moreover, almost half of the respondents indicated that they continued working after retirement, either through private jobs, occasional or seasonal engagements, contributions to family businesses, or work as self-employed professionals. The survey results clearly show that many older citizens are willing and able to contribute economically and socially, but they often do so without systemic support or appropriate institutional frameworks.
In everyday life, retirees mostly spend their free time with family, especially grandchildren, walking, gardening, doing household chores, or light hobbies such as knitting and fishing. At the same time, many respondents highlighted a lack of social and cultural content. They indicated the need for organized activities such as workshops, film screenings, and other forms of community gatherings, as well as the creation of dedicated spaces for retirees.
Financial security also emerged as one of their main concerns. Almost half of the respondents stated that their economic situation worsened after retirement. Medication costs are a particularly pronounced problem, as many retirees face difficulties affording therapies not fully covered by health insurance.
Health services were identified as another significant challenge. Respondents mostly indicated that the Health Center in Žabljak lacks doctors, especially specialists, as well as sufficient medical equipment. Although most retirees, in principle, have access to the public health system, many are still forced to seek healthcare from private providers, which increases their personal expenses.
For Žabljak, the Silver Up project represents a concrete opportunity to translate the views and needs of the older population into tangible actions. By implementing suggestions coming directly from retirees, the project can support their active participation in social, educational, and technological activities, ultimately strengthening social inclusion and improving the quality of life in regions facing population aging.
For more information, contact Milica Novosel, Communication Manager for the Silver Up project, Municipality of Žabljak: milicanzb@gmail.com
More information about the project can be found at Silver Up.