In a speech formally opening the annual Common Responsibility Campaign on Sunday, Niinistö noted that there are more than a million people over the age of 65 in the country. Polls indicate that one third of them report feelings of loneliness.
Senior citizens living alone are among the beneficiaries of this year’s charity drive.
“Loneliness means that one feels excluded and that life lacks meaning,” the president observed.
Niinistö asserted that caring for old age pensioners cannot solely be the responsibility of the public sector. He said everyone can take responsibility for ensuring that older people around them have a dignified, humane old age. Niinistö said that non-governmental organisations are also needed to work on behalf of the elderly.
"Ageing cannot be seen as a problem"
In his first such address since taking office last spring, Niinistö referred to Finland’s rapidly-growing imbalance between pensioners and people of working age.
“The public debate often emphasises the impact of demographic changes on the economy,” he said. “Yet we must not forget that ageing is a natural part of life. It cannot be seen as a problem.”
Niinistö added that a humane old age includes the company of others and participation in the surrounding community and society.