Results of a study examining the impact of long-term care costs on the risk of poverty among people aged 65 and over in Serbia were presented at a press conference held on 25 February 2026 in Belgrade.
The study was conducted by SeConS – Development Initiative Group, in cooperation with the Red Cross of Serbia and the Austrian Red Cross, with the support of the Federal Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection of the Republic of Austria. The findings were presented by Tijana Veljković, Research Coordinator at SeConS.
The results indicate significant financial strain among older persons. As many as 74.8% rely exclusively on pensions as their primary source of income, while nearly half report that their income is insufficient to cover basic living expenses. Furthermore, 34% of respondents stated that they had reduced or completely foregone spending on food, utilities, or medication in order to afford necessary care.
The report puts forward concrete policy recommendations aimed at strengthening the legislative framework and improving the long-term care system, with the goal of safeguarding the dignity, security, and quality of life of older persons in Serbia.
