Introduction: Awareness of the positive aspects of aging and the promotion of healthy aging has increased, bringing changes in ensuring the quality of life for older adults. However, new challenges continue to emerge regarding the needs of older individuals, influenced also by unpredictable emergencies. Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the circumstances of life for older adults in the municipality of Škofja Loka, with an emphasis on changes that occurred between 2019 and 2023, as well as the challenges posed by COVID-19 and the 2023 floods. Methods: A combination of various techniques was used, including a literature review, document analysis, and interviews. Semi-structured expert interviews were conducted to collect data. The main open-ended questions were used to guide the interviews. Twelve individuals with specific social roles in elderly care participated in the study. A qualitative content analysis was applied to the interview data. Results: Through qualitative content analysis of the interviews, four main themes emerged: life for older adults in the municipality, active aging and access to services, social and health conditions, and the role of other stakeholders during disasters: COVID-19 and the 2023 floods. Participants shared insights into the life and needs of older adults in the municipality, efforts to ensure active aging, and the role of stakeholders during disasters. They also described changes that occurred between 2019 and 2023. Discussion and conclusion: The living conditions for older adults in the municipality of Škofja Loka are generally good. Several aspects of elderly care have improved compared to 2019, though certain issues remain unresolved. There is still a need to address housing conditions, strengthen social services, and improve preventive health activities. Significant progress has been made in raising awareness, e-literacy, and public transportation, but further improvements are needed. Disasters have highlighted the vulnerability of older adults and the need for an update to emergency response plans and the organization of joint simulation exercises involving all stakeholders.
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