In today’s digitalized era, embracing new and emerging technologies is a requirement to remain competitive. The present research investigates the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) by the elderly in the European landscape, emphasizing the importance of individuals’ digital skills. As has already been globally recognized, the most imminent demographic challenge is no longer represented by the rapid growth of the population but by its aging. Thus, the paper initially analyzed European perspectives on AI adoption, also discussing the importance of focusing on seniors. A bibliometric analysis was required afterward, and the review of the resulting relevant scientific publications uncovered gaps in understanding the relationship between older individuals and AI, particularly in terms of digital competence. Further exploration considered the EU population’s digital literacy and cultural influences using Hofstede’s model, while also identifying potential ways to improve the elderly’s digital skills and promote the adoption of AI. Results indicate a growing interest in AI adoption among the elderly, underscoring the urgent need for digital skills development. The imperative of personalized approach implementations, such as specialized courses, personalized training sessions, or mentoring programs, was underscored. Moreover, the importance of targeted strategies and collaborative efforts to ensure equitable participation in the digital age was identified as a prerequisite for AI adoption by seniors. In terms of potential implications, the research can serve as a starting point for various stakeholders in promoting an effective and sustainable adoption of AI among older citizens in the EU.

The article is focused on researching the hidden effects of seasonal migration in agriculture on Roma communities in Romania. The theoretical framework considers the specific nature of seasonal migration in agriculture and includes elements relevant to understanding the seasonal migration patterns of the Roma population from Romania. The research is based on a qualitative methodological design and over 120 interviews in four communities with Roma individuals and key actors at the community level (e.g., local authorities, teachers, priests, and social workers). The interviews are thematically analyzed, and the hidden costs of seasonal migration are discussed at three levels of analysis: individual, familial, and community. First and foremost, the analysis emphasizes that migration is the most significant factor of social change in the studied Roma communities, and its effects are multifaceted. The analysis reveals significant negative costs of migration in terms of health, education, employability, family, and community life. In the medium and long term, these effects decrease the positive aspects linked to the material gains from migration, making these Roma communities more vulnerable and dependent.

Population ageing and rural depopulation are reshaping the social and spatial structure of many European regions, producing new forms of social risk and care dependency. This study examines how institutionalization among older adults reflects the broader dynamics of demographic decline, migration, and uneven territorial development. Using a qualitative design, semi-structured interviews and social network mapping (ecomaps) were conducted with residents of an urban elderly care facility in Romania. Guided by frameworks of social sustainability, social capital, and territorial resilience, the analysis explores how the erosion of informal networks and migration-driven care deficits affects the wellbeing and social inclusion of older people. Findings show that institutionalization operates both a consequence and as an indicator of depopulation and spatial inequality, highlighting the disconnection between aging populations and community-based care infrastructures. Yet, residents develop micro-level forms of resilience and relational stability within institutional life. The study concludes that sustainable territorial development must integrate care and ageing into regional planning, encouraging decentralized, community-based services that rebuild local networks and restore social cohesion.

The paper presents an inventory of the activities of the elderly before and after retirement. The objectives of this paper are: to identify and analyse the activities of the elderly before retirement; to identify and analyse the activities of the elderly after retirement; to analyse the dynamics of the elderly’s roles; to build the intervention plans in relation to the elderly’s activities in correlation with the roles played by them. The interview is the method used in data collection and the results are obtained from the qualitative analysis of the data: inventory of answers, their classification into categories, coding of answers and their interpretation. The schedule of activities and the typology of activities have changed radically after retirement and the satisfaction of the elderly in relation to these activities varies depending on the health problems, depending on the financial difficulties and the relationships that the elderly have with the family. Most of the elderly people interviewed say that they try to stay active and satisfy their desires even if it is more difficult for them due to their health condition. They focus on helping and supporting the family, and they feel great satisfaction when it comes to helping them.

The purpose of this article is to highlight students’ perception of the Faculty of Engineering concerning discrimination, particularly discrimination against certain vulnerable groups. This issue is part of a broader research that aims to assess the attitude of students towards discrimination. The method used in the study is questionnaire-based survey. The questionnaire includes scales and subscales for measuring the attitudes of subjects, their emotions, cognitions and behaviors in relation to discrimination in general, and specifically in relation to certain vulnerable groups such as the Roma population, people with HIV/AIDS, people with a different sexual orientation or people with disabilities and mental illness. The main results of our research have demonstrated that the students from engineering believe that there is discrimination within society, including at the level of educational institutions; the most discriminated category is Roma population. These results reflect the importance of training engineering students in the field of ethics and non-discrimination. We conclude that there is a need of such courses in the context of promoting inclusive societies and of the rebirth of business ethics education at an international level.

Background: Romania’s rapid population ageing now unfolds primarily in cities, where health, social care, housing and mobility intersect. Within metropolitan areas, older residents face unequal access to community long-term care (LTC), digital services and health-promoting public space. Analysis: Framed by European Commission and WHO agendas, this brief examines Romania’s national strategies on health, ageing and LTC through an urban lens. It identifies a persistent rhetoric–implementation gap: municipal services remain underfunded and fragmented, and prevention or person-centred models are only weakly embedded in urban planning and budgeting. Policy Options: Five priorities could align ageing policy with urban health: intersectoral city governance with transparent equity dashboards; legal and financial recognition of informal caregivers; expansion of community hubs integrating primary care, social work and rehabilitation; digital inclusion programmes for older adults; and health-promoting urban design that improves walkability, thermal comfort and access to green/cool spaces. Conclusion: Converging city governance, LTC reform and urban design can translate policy aspirations into measurable gains in equity, autonomy and healthy life expectancy among older urban residents.