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The President of the Republic greeted elderly people of Estonia02.10.2004
President Arnold Rüütel today at the Concert Hall Estonia opened a concert ceremony on the occasion of the International Day of the Elderly and greeted all the elderly of Estonia.
The President of the Republic in his address to the elderly said: "The better a society can apply the skills and knowledge of its members - both young and old - the stronger it is. It is particularly important to consider it against the background of shrinking workforce and aging population, which characterises the whole of Europe. To alleviate the alarming demographic situation, several countries continue engaging people of pensionable age in working life."
President Rüütel noted that, at the same time, those having accomplished their life's work ought to be guaranteed a dignified old age. "Any state respecting the principles of solidarity pays back to pensioners what they over decades have given society. Estonia, too, respects the internationally recognized principle "Society for All". This means, among other things, that our politics concerning senior citizens and pensions are, even though slowly, unwaveringly approaching European standards," spoke the President of the Republic.
The Head of State thanked all elderly people for their personal contribution to increasing our national wealth, for what they had done to help other people and by that our society, and wished them continuous willingness to pass on the baton of experience as well as optimism to overcome life's hardships.
President Rüütel is patron of the International Day of the Elderly celebration in Estonia.
Public Relations Unit of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, October 2, 2004
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