The elders are one of the most unpriviledged segments of the Romanian society. The economical situation is severely affecting the lives of people reaching retirement years. Many end up loosing their homes, as they can't cope with the ever increasing living costs and inflation. The average pension of a retired person in Romania doesn't exceed $50 a month, while the basic expenses of a rather frugal living are summing up around $200-300 a month. The elders can't afford their medical care and most of the times are forced to leave their homes and seek the shelter of the old folks homes where at least their food and board and a minimum medical assistance are covered by the state. But the reality of these places is heartbreaking: the elders are crammed in rooms of 8-12, the beds are old and broken, their mattresses and bedding are tore and uncomfortable, the food hardly covers the minimum nutritional value they need to help fight the poor health and old age.
Due to the lack of financial means and medical insurance, many face at the old ages severe diseases that are confining them to a life in bed as wheel chairs or recuperating programs are beyond their reach. |
