FOSTER CARE AS A FORM OF SOCIAL INCLUSION OF OLDER PEOPLE

The perception of older people is changing at the turn of the last decades. They are not described as infirm and sick, but as people who have a lot to offer to others and want to grow. People approaching retirement age often engage in self-development, e.g. in Universities of the Third Age or engage in assistance for children in need of assistance. They take part in social campaigns, eg "Senior cuddly babies" or become foster caretakers. The foster care is addressed to children who, due to difficult situations in the biological home, cannot stay in it. However, every child needs to grow up in family, to meet all the needs, mainly the emotional ones. Elderly people involved in childcare have a lot of patience and understanding for the needs of young people.