The Elderly Health Office—Public Health Respond to the Ageing Challenge

Introduction: Demographic structure in Belgrade is regressive biological type with 16.4% of the Elderly in whole population. Addressing this fact Public Health Institute of City of Belgrade in 2008 established the EHO (Elderly Health Office). Aim: This paper emphasizes the importance of Public Health response to ageing population challenges. Method: This public health study is retrospective review based on work of EHO from 2008 to 2017 year. Results: Numerous health promotion activities were performed by EHO: development guidelines for elderly care services coordination as well as for effective communication within health care system; development of age-friendly web portal; cooperation with the mass media; building partnership with representatives of the state- and private-owned facilities and NGOs (non-governmental organizations); support to strengthening inter-generation cooperation; promotion of elderly age-friendly phone line; organizing and participation in public health events, meetings and conferences. EHO participated in evaluation capacities of healthcare in Belgrade, regarding human resources, equipment and facilities, and monitoring elderly health status. Conclusions: The role of the EHO of IPHB is: (1) support to active, healthy, productive ageing of the citizens of Belgrade; (2) strategic planning of the Elderly health care; (3) strengthening of intersectional cooperation. Measures suggested: Public Health approach of EHO is response to challenges of ageing population and potential model for age oriented program management.