Development of rural social infrastructure services promoting elderly integration to society

Abstract

Integration of the elderly to society and encouragement of their participation are important steps towards better inclusion and activity of the elderly, assurance of human rights, choices and alternatives as well as their versatile role in society. One of the directions to be taker for achievement of these objectives would be development ofsocial infrastructure services in rural areas, improvement of targeted institutional activity and provision of high-quality services according to the needs and priorities of the elderly. Adequate allocation and development of social infrastructure in rural areas has been recognized at the level of the European Union as the factors of better opportunities for integration of the elderly into society. It has been determined that science has been playing insufficient role in social infrastructure research, which, besides other impact, restricts the possibility for developing practical insights on how development of social infrastructure could strengthen ability of the elderly to feel and be normal citizens of society. According to the analysed problem, changes and challenges of the rural elderly in Lithuania's society are presented first. Second, the results of research on social infrastructure situation and need for development need are presented in view of how they relate to integration of the elderly into society.