Members of the House of the Elders outlined the problems senior citizens are facing, demanding they be solved immediately, while officials listened and assured the elderly that their quality of life was among the government’s priorities.

The House of the Elders convened on Monday in its 25th session, which was addressed by House President Annita Demetriou, Deputy Welfare Minister Marilena Evangelou and president of the Volunteerism Council Elias Demetriou.

Pensioners’ Union representatives said pensioners were unable to meet their basic needs with their low pensions and that the rising cost of living was making it even harder to cope.

The House president said the state should prioritise solutions for the elderly, focusing firstly on improving pensions and social insurance and subsidising electricity.

She added that great steps had been made in access to healthcare through the state health system Gesy, however much was still needed, such as home care, affordable medicines not covered by Gesy and transportation to and from health services, inter alia.

The deputy welfare minister said a national strategy and action plan had been completed and would be submitted to the cabinet for approval over the next few weeks.

Elias Demetriou said senior citizens wanted to be able to live and move autonomously, in a dignified and safe manner, and that the state should acknowledge this before the progressive impoverishment of elderly people.

“We are asking for permanent support and not temporary, seasonal solutions,” he added and called for the 12 per cent penalty on pensions for those retiring at 63 to be abolished.