Every fourth pensioner continues to work in Belarus: how the state expands support

Our society is under the influence of a global trend: the proportion of people of advanced age is growing. Today there are more than 2.4 million pensioners in Belarus. But there is another, positive side: people live longer, stay active longer and do not rush to age. It is very important to support them in this. Moreover, it is necessary to give the opportunity to work fully for those who can and want. Every fourth pensioner continues to work, while the state and trade unions pay special attention to protecting the labor rights of older people.

- In matters of remuneration and the continuation of employment relations, the elderly are protected by a general agreement between the Government of Belarus, the republican associations of employers and trade unions. It stipulates that the average age pension should be at least 40% of the average salary in the country, said Tatyana Filimonova, Deputy Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus. In addition, we have more than 17 thousand collective agreements, and more than 80% of them contain norms aimed at supporting working pensioners and workers who have retired. A number of collective agreements provide for lump sum payments to working pensioners. At individual enterprises, they reach more than 100 basic values. This suggests that employers are interested in experienced workers and are willing to appreciate their work.

The foundation for a stable improvement in the quality of life of the elderly remains pension provision. About 9% of GDP is allocated to it, in 2026 it is more than 31 billion rubles, Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection Marina Artemenko noted:

- This year, pensions have been increased twice, an increase of 15%. Today, the average pension of a non-working pensioner is 1126 rubles.

At the same time, support for older people is not limited to material payments. It is important to maintain their social involvement. This is one of the key objectives of the National Strategy “Active Longevity”. So, on the bases of territorial centers of service of the population there are about two thousand circles and clubs, which cover 28 thousand pensioners. One in five seniors joins a volunteer squad of silver age.

A separate area is medical support for older people. The geriatric service is developing and improving in Belarus. Specialized rooms are opened, where elderly people can undergo examination, and specialists can timely identify geriatric syndromes, prevent the development of senile asthenia and draw up an individual rehabilitation program taking into account the needs of a particular person. Today there are 128 geriatric offices in the country. By the end of the year, the number is expected to increase to 140.

Social services at home are becoming increasingly popular. This allows people to stay in a familiar home environment for as long as possible and helps to avoid premature placement in social boarding houses. Social services covered about 180 thousand citizens aged 75 years and older, of which almost 115,000 receive on-site assistance.

- Family care is also important. In our country, benefits are provided for the care of a person with a disability of group I or for a person who has reached the age of 80. Today, 24,000 people receive such benefits. In addition, relatives who care for the elderly can learn the skills of care in the centers of social services of the population and receive psychological assistance, said Marina Artemenko.

Work in this direction will continue. By 2030, it is planned to cover 25% of citizens over 75 years of age with social services. This is one of the goals of the Equal Opportunity Society program. Given the pace of demographic aging, the number of recipients of social services is projected to increase by about 50,000 during this period. Therefore, universities of the third age, schools of active longevity will develop, the number of professional care specialists will increase.

A source of joy and happiness

From 14 to 21 October – between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day – the Week of Parental Love will be held. It will be eventful.

One of the main events will be the final of the VII Republican contest "Family of the Year", which will be held on October 10 in Minsk. From 5 to 16 October will determine the winners of another competition – “Family!” We serve together.

On Mother’s Day, the Palace of the Republic will host a festive concert “For cute mothers”, prepared by the Youth Pop Theatre. On the same day, the National Academic Folk Orchestra named after I. Zhinovich will perform at the Belarusian State Philharmonic.

The regions will also host festive events, receptions and honoring mothers and fathers.

But the week of parental love is not limited to concerts, competitions and celebrations. On October 15, the Ministry of Labor together with the regional executive committees and the Minsk City Executive Committee will hold a single day of counseling on social protection of families with children. Direct telephone lines will operate at the national and regional levels.

yankovich@sb.by