RIGA, Oct 3 (LETA) - Today, a dignified old age means not only decent pensions, but also the opportunity to be needed, to participate in public life, to support one's family and to share knowledge and experience, Saeima Speaker Daiga Mierina (Greens/Farmers) said at the opening of the Seniors' Day in Saeima on Friday.

It is evident that society is changing - it is becoming more educated, open and empathetic, said Mierina. However, there also are challenges: security threats, an ageing population and relentless demographic trends.

"This is why we value every member of society and their potential, because this is the only way to build a sustainable society," said Mierina.

According to Mierina, seniors play a particularly important role in this process. Data confirm this: 16 percent of, or about 70,000, seniors continue to work. This trend will continue to grow as society changes and seniors change too, she said.

By taking care of seniors and reducing the risks they face, we are also taking care of our own future, said Mierina. "Because one day, each and every one of us will be part of the silver economy generation," she explained.

Today, there will be a lot of talk about reducing discrimination on the labor market, intergenerational cooperation, and the risks of exclusion, said Mierina. At the same time, much has been achieved since the first Seniors' Day in Saeima.

Significant steps have been taken regarding pensions, with the introduction of pension indexation twice a year, also taking into account years of service, said Mierina. Priority has also been given to developing a basic pension model, maintaining the current retirement age for both men and women, and others.

Such initiatives strengthen public confidence and demonstrate transparency of Saeima's work, which is particularly important today, emphasized Mierina.