Mar 14 • 18:17 UTC 🇫🇮 Finland Ilta-Sanomat

Minister Wille Rydman urges saving for old age on Ykkösaamu

Finnish Social Affairs and Health Minister Wille Rydman emphasizes the importance of personal savings for old age while dismissing claims about declining autonomy for elderly citizens.

In a recent interview on Yle's Ykkösaamu, Finland's new Social Affairs and Health Minister Wille Rydman refuted assertions that elderly citizens would lose their autonomy and face increased healthcare costs in the future. He stressed the state's responsibility to ensure care for those who are sick, elderly, or in need of assistance, arguing that healthcare should not depend on individual circumstances or self-financing. Rydman encourages Finns to take proactive measures for their old age security while recognizing the prevailing expectation that public support will always be available.

Rydman expressed concern that many Finns have become complacent, relying too heavily on the state during times of need. He advised individuals to reassess their approach to old-age security by considering personal savings to supplement public care. The minister highlighted the importance of a balanced approach that includes both personal responsibility and government support as a mutual strategy for addressing the challenges of an aging population.

Additionally, Rydman clarified misunderstandings regarding the government's intentions related to caregiving and technology in health services. He dismissed accusations that the government aimed to reduce the number of caregivers while promoting technology at the expense of elderly care, attributing these claims to misinterpretations by political opponents. His remarks signal a commitment to ensuring that any advancements in healthcare do not compromise the quality of care provided to the elderly.

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