Latest Pensioner Education Program by Provident

Salgótarján, northern Hungary, hosted this week the latest venue of the Pensioners' Academy organized by Provident Financial Ltd. in cooperation with Semmelweis University. This was the first event in a series of two-day programs aimed at providing seniors with useful information on healthy lifestyles and financial awareness.

The second event will take place on May 26, 2025, when the focus will be on proper medication and fraud prevention.

Provident Financial Ltd.'s programme specifically for older generations has not only provided participants with a unique educational resource, but also an opportunity to deepen their knowledge on topics that have a direct impact on their quality of life. The event was opened by Bálint Kreicsi, Mayor of Salgótarján, who stressed the importance of community initiatives and the active support of the pensioner age group in building a safer, more cohesive society.

The 'Gondos óra' (Guardian watch) initiative was also a guest of the programme, where representatives of the initiative presented the benefits of an innovative tool to support the safety of the elderly. There was also an opportunity to register in person, so that participants could directly enquire and express their interest in the device.

The presentations covered the most important principles of health promotion, such as proper exercise to help maintain physical well-being. There was also an emphasis on developing financial awareness, as managing everyday financial decisions with confidence is key to facing life's challenges with confidence.

For the second edition, fraud prevention will be a key focus. In the world of modern digital technology, phishing emails, SMS and phone scams are becoming increasingly common and are particularly dangerous for older people. Statistics from Budapest also show that the number of crimes among the over-60s has been on the rise recently. The rise in so-called "grandchild scams" is particularly striking: while in 2023, eight elderly people were victims of this type of scam in the capital, by 2024, the number had risen to 55. At the same time, the number of robberies has also risen somewhat - last year, 34 pensioners in Budapest were the target of such violent attacks, almost 20% more than the year before. The next event will give participants practical advice on how to avoid these situations and protect themselves and their loved ones. The same event will also focus on the correct use of medicines.

The first day's event took place in a friendly atmosphere where everyone had the opportunity to ask questions and share their experiences with others. As well as gaining new knowledge, participants were inspired to take active steps for their own well-being.