• Loneliness and lack of resources are the most serious problems for the elderly in 2021
• 20,000 elderly people can receive help from the Margareta of Romania Royal Foundation
• Companies can contribute by directing 20% of their profit tax, and individuals can submit a monthly donation on the website: www.frmr.ro

Today, the elderly population in Romania has increased dramatically, counting over 3.8 million elderly, and many of them are affected by loneliness and lack of resources necessary for a decent life. Limited access to digital information, physical immobility, chronic illness or material deprivation often make older people socially isolated and unable to meet their basic needs. Amid the pandemic crisis, the Margareta of Romania Royal Foundation has registered the highest number of requests for support and aims to expand its social services and area of interventions dedicated to seniors, to help up to 20,000 elderly people in hardship. Companies are appealed to direct 20% of tax and individuals are called to make a monthly donation,  into support the urgent needs of the elderly.

1 million senior citizens live alone, and 900,000 elderly retirees have a monthly retirement income below 1,000 lei (≅$230) - this is the statistical reality of 2021, a year marked by challenges that have deeply affected the lives of older people. The social distancing measures meant for many elderly people the lack of essential help, such as personal care, purchase of food and medicine, postponement of medical treatments or even the absence of a companion. Many of the elderly have experienced anxiety, depression, or stress caused by the loss of loved ones, fear of infection, or concern for their own or beloved ones' health.   

Because the number of those in difficulty and seeking help is constantly growing, the Margareta of Romania Royal Foundation aims to help up to 20,000 seniors through its own social projects and social partners. To support the elderly, the Foundation runs an active social services network in various communities, mobilizes dozens of volunteers and aims to expand social projects in new geographical areas and launch new services in 2022. The elderly can benefit from material help - social vouchers, sanitary or paramedical supplies, daily necessity goods, practical support – home care, delivery of groceries or medications, social counseling, and guidance to community-based support services, but also emotional support, through loneliness relief services or free psychological counseling.

Additional resources are needed for such support, and the Foundation seeks the involvement of companies and individuals. Companies can direct 20% of the profit tax owed to the government for a social cause, and individuals can register a monthly donation on www.frmr.ro. The Margareta of Romania Royal Foundation will use the funds to help the elderly who are facing difficult life situations.

The value of sponsorship from a company can be:

• 20% of the annual or quarterly tax or 0.75% of the turnover (the minimum between the two);
• 20% of the quarterly income tax for micro-enterprises.

The Fund for Elderly will be used by the Foundation for:

• Offering resources and solutions for the requests addressed by the elderly;
• Facilitating access to support services, such as home care or practical support;
• Providing psychological counseling and emotional support to seniors with depression or anxiety;
• Relieving loneliness for the elderly who no longer have a family or a support circle;
• Support and endowments for networks of volunteers, home caregivers and community social workers;
• Material help, through daily necessary products or social vouchers;
• Social participation opportunities for seniors who want to become active;
• Holiday meals and groceries.

Companies wishing to contribute can download and fill in the contract here: https://www.frmr.ro/sponsorizez-20/varstnici/.

Individuals can contribute with a monthly donation by accessing www.frmr.ro/donationline.

*Sources

INSSE - Raport la 1 iulie 2021 privind populația României

IRES – Impactul pandemiei asupra calității vieții românilor

Casa Națională de Pensii Publice – Indicatori Statistici

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About the Margareta of Romania Royal Foundation

Founded in 1990 by Her Majesty Margareta, Custodian of the Romanian Crown, together with her father, King Michael, the Margareta of Romania Royal Foundation is one of the few non-governmental organizations running programs dedicated to seniors in Romania. Throughout the 30 years of activity, with the involvement of volunteers, institutional partners and the whole community, the Foundation has created various solutions to improve seniors’ lives, alleviate loneliness, prevent social isolation, and create

opportunities for an active life. The Foundation's programs and campaigns, such as the Network for Our Seniors, the Fund for the Elderly, Generation Centers, the Elderly Phone, the Best Practices Conference for  Aging Beautifully, have restored dignity and hope to the elderly. More details on www.frmr.ro.