In 2023, Corvinus University and the Civil Centrum Foundation jointly presented research on the challenges faced by retirees in Székesfehérvár. Their findings revealed that elderly residents were primarily concerned with financial insecurity, health issues, and loneliness. Since then, researchers have continued their work. The initiative has also been supported by the city’s mayor, András Cser-Palkovics, prompting the development of a detailed proposal outlining how various measures could ensure that aging is associated with well-being rather than anxiety. 

Why was it important to continue this research, which impacts not just retirees but their families as well? 

György László Wéber, innovation researcher and social policy expert: 
Everyone knows that Hungarian society—like much of Europe—is aging. People are living longer, but what truly matters is the quality of life during those retirement years. At the peak of what we call the “triangle of fear” are loneliness and the feeling of becoming insignificant—alongside poverty and illness. It’s crucial that older adults remain active. To help measure this, the UN and the European Commission have developed the Active Aging Index (AAI). Székesfehérvár, where our survey took place, scored a respectable 34.15 on this index in 2024. 

Dr. Miklós Rosta, Associate Professor at Corvinus University: 
The AAI has been in use since 2012. It is a complex aggregate index that evaluates 22 indicators across 4 areas: employment status, social participation, conditions for independent, healthy, and secure living, and opportunities to remain active in later life. In the last European AAI report (2018), Hungary ranked at the bottom with 30.5 points, while Madrid scored 37 and Luxembourg 35.2. With our 2024 research, Székesfehérvár became the first city in Hungary to be assessed using the AAI. 

How did you reach these conclusions? 

Judit Farnady, CEO of Silver Age Factory Nonprofit Ltd. and key figure in Székesfehérvár’s civil sector: 
According to scientific approaches and European policies, aging begins at age 55. Labor law also recognizes this by offering legal protections five years before retirement. We define ages 55–64 as “aging,” 65–75 as the “transition phase,” and 75+ as “old age.” 

Márton Katona, Assistant Professor at Corvinus: 
The AAI methodology also allows for deeper analysis. As part of our WellOSyst research in Székesfehérvár, 584 residents aged 55 and above completed a questionnaire in June 2024, either online or in person. As far as we know, no other similar survey has been conducted in Hungary. 

What kind of questions were you looking to answer? 

Márton Katona: 
We focused on areas like social participation—whether respondents were still working, doing volunteer work, or caring for grandchildren. We asked about political engagement, such as contacting local officials or signing petitions. We also asked about participation in courses or community work, or about caring for, say, a neighbour in need, a disabled person. Another key area was the ability to live independently, safely, and healthily. 

One telling statistic: Hungarians currently spend HUF 600–800 billion annually on private healthcare, and 8% of users finance this with loans. While this applies to the general population, it gives context to the elderly’s situation. 

Dr. Miklós Rosta: 
In our survey, 23% of respondents said they couldn’t afford to go to the dentist. Financial security was also critical—33% said they couldn’t handle an unexpected expense of HUF 145,000 (~€370). On the other hand, 68% said their standard of living was average, and 22% said it was good. We also explored education and digital literacy: 9 out of 10 households had a computer or laptop. But only 30% of respondents said they often felt cheerful or happy. 

Did the research also cover mental health? After all, the older you get, the greater the risk of dementia. 

Judit Farnady: 
Absolutely. Mental health is a vital component of aging well. Preventive efforts can delay or reduce symptoms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s. In Székesfehérvár, gym spaces are open to retirees, allowing them to stay active. We’re also developing services where seniors can train both their bodies and their memory, with access to memory assessment tools. 

Dr. Miklós Rosta: 
We gathered data not just through surveys but also via focus groups, interviews, and consultations with civil organizations. Interestingly, Hungarian grandparents are more actively involved with their grandchildren than those in other countries. However, volunteering—which could offer a meaningful way to connect and making new friends—is less common here. 

What kind of recommendations were included in the proposal handed to the mayor? 

Dr. György László Wéber: 
I believe Székesfehérvár could reach Madrid’s AAI level (36.5) within two years. We recommend “silver-tuning” the city’s cultural and social institutions and tailoring services to the needs of an aging society. Traditional retirees’ clubs no longer meet the expectations of today’s seniors. Out of 23–24,000 residents over 65, only 2,000–2,500 attend these clubs. We need interest-based thematic clubs that also appeal to younger seniors (55+). This must start now, or in 15 years, the age pyramid will collapse on us. 

Judit Farnady: 
We need systems that truly help. There used to be embroidery circles, but let’s face it, the 65-year-olds of today are very different from those of 20 years ago. Their expectations and abilities are different too. For example, digital literacy is essential for their sense of security—especially as they may one day need to operate hospital-assisting robots themselves. 

One fascinating proposal is “silver-tuning” the digital world, recognizing that today’s algorithms are mostly built by 20–30-year-olds with little understanding of senior users. Seniors could train as “silver-generation prompt coaches,” learning how to use AI like ChatGPT and passing this knowledge on to their peers. Other ideas include a “Silver Bridge” pension bond (a senior-specific financial product), and co-housing models where seniors with dementia and students live side-by-side. 

Dr. Miklós Rosta: 
We proposed a human-centered smart city model, where technology and care go hand-in-hand. Known internationally as a “city lab,” this model could bring dignity and well-being to aging residents, instead of anxiety. It would also help the so-called sandwich generation, who care for both children and aging parents. We believe Székesfehérvár has all the qualities needed to become home to the SilverLab – National Reference Centre for Ageing Innovation, which could support social innovation and improve the quality of life in ageing communities. 

— 
Katalin Török 
Photo: The research team, from left to right: Dr. Miklós Rosta, Judit Farnady, Márton Katona, Dr. György László Wéber