Generations driving the community

When older persons are given the space to share their knowledge and experience, the whole community benefits. Generations understand each other better, everyday challenges are easier to solve, and knowledge and skills are passed on. In the central Serbian town of Trstenik, this idea led to the Resource Centre for Intergenerational Cooperation — a place that fosters connection, exchange, joint work, and the development of the silver economy.

We entered the establishment of the Resource Centre with some apprehension and rather modest expectations,” said Milena Turk, President of the Municipality of Trstenik. “However, it quickly became clear that there is a genuine willingness among both older and younger people to get involved, to jointly reflect on activities, and to develop cooperation.”

The Municipality of Trstenik is one of three local governments in Serbia, along with Pirot and Svilajnac, where a Resource Centre for Intergenerational Cooperation has been established through the “PRO – Local Governance for People and Nature” programme, a joint initiative supported by the Government of Switzerland and implemented by the Government of Serbia in partnership with United Nations agencies UNOPS, UNICEF, UNFPA and UNEP.

Our older persons have a wealth of professional and life experience they are eager to share,” said Turk, adding that this was “a great asset and a resource that Trstenik can and should use, especially at a time when the shortage of qualified workers is becoming a major societal challenge.”

Ana Rajčić, Head of the Municipal Administration of Trstenik, added that the Centre is also valuable for younger people. Through deeper conversations with older generations, they can learn what books and classrooms alone cannot teach: life experience, work ethic and a broader worldview.

The idea of intergenerational cooperation lies at the very foundation of the Resource Centre in Trstenik, which was established with the support of UNFPA in partnership with the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality and the Centre for Research and Development of Society (IDEAS).

The goal is to ensure older people are visible, included and active, said Ms. Rajčić

Talking with older persons revealed the everyday challenges they face, from moving around the city to the need for better infrastructure and improved digital skills and other practical daily support.

We have launched training sessions for teachers who will pass this knowledge on to primary and secondary school students, so that young people can be empowered to support older persons in developing digital skills. This includes assistance in using mobile phone applications, but also in mastering practical skills such as using an ATM, so that older people do not have to wait in lines for things they can do independently once someone shows them how in the right way,” said Ms. Rajčić.

These simple improvements – learning to send photos to their children and grandchildren, moving more smoothly through the city, having a place to rest, or understanding how to use an ATM – can make an older person’s everyday life easier and more dignified.

An important topic that emerged from the Resource Centre’s work is the silver economy – the idea that older people’s knowledge and experience can remain an active part of local economic development. This has particular relevance in Trstenik, which has a strong industrial tradition.

People over 60 are still vital, active, and willing to contribute,” said Dušan Erić, municipal council member for the economy. “They have enormous knowledge and experience to share.”

Labour shortages, especially in the mechanical industry, have further highlighted the value of experienced workers.

A number of employers continue to engage older people even after retirement through contract work, which shows their continued importance,” said Vladimir Antić, Director of the Centre for Social Work in Trstenik.

In this context, older persons can play a vital role, anchoring businesses while guiding younger generations as they enter the workforce.

Many experience retirement as a moment of stagnation, yet it is precisely then that their experience can gain new value for the community,” said Ms. Rajčić.

In addition to economic development, the Resource Centre in Trstenik is focused on making support services more accessible, especially for people living in rural areas.

One of the key plans involves stronger integration of social protection, healthcare, and local community services. Mr. Antić, from the Centre for Social Work in Trstenik, explained that social workers will join mobile medical teams visiting villages, allowing residents to receive information about their rights and available support options directly in their communities.

One of the key benefits will be better coordination between social and health services in the field,” he said. “At the same time, this will give us better insight into their actual needs and allow us to initiate a large part of the support and care process right where people live.”

The Resource Centre is also working on cultivating a sense of community within its walls. Cultural and sports activities are actively organized to further build connections with older people.

It is very important that there is a place in our municipality where generations can meet and exchange opinions and experiences,” said pensioner Verica Gašović. “It is truly important and healthy for all generations,” she added.

Beyond being a space where different generations can connect and learn from one another, the Resource Centre serves as a powerful engine for building a stronger community.

Such activities can reduce the social exclusion of older people and help us become more sensitive to one another,” said Mr. Antić. “Ultimately, that makes us a more humane society.”